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
Fist Up Film Festival
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
Southern Screen Festival
Cinema Verde International Environmental Film Festival
Real to Reel International Film Festival
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.
press resources
photo gallery
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