stories happen in forests

12 people. in the woods. telling their stories.
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Film Trailer

A film by AMANDA RODRIGUEZ a DOGWOOD ALLIANCE production “Stories Happen in Forests” in association with CALL TO ACTION CREATIVE directed by AMANDA RODRIGUEZ director of photography and editor ANDREA DESKY presented by DAYNA REGGERO and CLIMATE LISTENING PROJECT executive producer GAIA HERBS

Film Description

We hiked out into the forests of the Southeast to listen. What we found in the power of story and in our connections to the forest is more important now than ever. Humanity happens in forests. Stories happen in forests.

Connect Beyond Festival

Connect Beyond Festival is a movement that brings creators & attendees together to engage in thought-provoking ways.

Cat Fly Film Festival

Cat Fly is a non-profit film festival that highlights and supports up-and-coming indie filmmakers.

Fist Up Film Festival

Fist Up Film Festival presents films that are intended to create impact, inspire discussion and foster understanding.

Southeast Regional Film Festival

Based in Jacksonville, FL, Southeast Regional Film Festival has been recognizing stellar filmmaking for 3 years. Stories Happen in Forests is a 2020 Semi-Finalist.

Big Syn International Film Festival

Big Syn is the world’s biggest not-for-profit online film festival inspiring people to act on The United Nations Sustainable Development goals

Impact DOCS Awards

The mission of the Impact DOCS Awards is to support and promote filmmakers who are making a difference in the critical issues of our times through producing impactful documentaries or making contributions to the world through enlightening and entertaining documentary films.

Southern Screen Festival

Southern Screen honors innovative filmmakers and the widespread possibilities from storytelling in the South.

Cinema Verde International Environmental Film Festival

Cinema Verde provides environmental education to increase public awareness of environmental practices that enhance public health and improve quality of life in urban, suburban and rural settings.
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Real to Reel International Film Festival

Real to Reel International Film Festival offers a forum for independent film, video, and multi-media artists from around the world to showcase their talents.
film festival official selection laurel

Indie FanFilmFest International

SSIFFF is an International film festival that also celebrates the creative talent and diversity of the American Southern States. Stories Happen in Forests won the Short Documentary Film category.

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about the filmmakers

Amanda Rodriguez

Amanda Rodriguez is a queer, Latinx environmentalist, intersectional feminist, published author, and first-time filmmaker of the award-winning documentary Stories Happen in Forests.

Andrea Desky

Andrea Desky is an award-winning filmmaker. She is a visual journalist with a passion for creating content for social good.

Film Review

"An enchanting look into the phenomenal potential of nature's/the outdoor's influence on various aspects of any person's life - from spirituality, to social identity, to artistic value, to scientific properties - all of these facets are examined through the stories of different individuals with their own unique backgrounds and perspectives. Shot and edited exquisitely. Simply marvelous on so many levels." - Broadcast Film Critics Association

Film Review

“A remarkable narrative concept by using chapters to weave several mini-stories about “nature and the forests.” This was beautiful from a “story” level and the technical achievements were stellar. The stories cover so many aspects of life: medicine, spiritual life, art, recreation, food, social connections, disability, community…it truly was a beautiful way to find connections to the life of nature.” – Broadcast Film Critics Association

About Dogwood Alliance

DOGWOOD ALLIANCE has worked for more than 20 years with diverse communities, partner organizations, and decision-makers to protect Southern forests across 14 states. They do this through community and grassroots organizing, holding corporations and governments accountable, and working to conserve millions of acres of Southern forests. Forests are life-sustaining. Forests provide us with the very air we breathe, clean our drinking water, and are home to millions of plant and animal species. They protect us from flooding. Forests are one of the greatest forces for helping us survive the worst effects of climate change. They are our connection to nature and help us cope with stress, fatigue, and anxiety.

Learn more: dogwoodalliance.org

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