A call to rewild: a personal essay film exploring the human motivation to protect wild places

Abstract

The original foundation of this project was based on one question: What motivates certain humans to care for the natural world? This question prompted many more questions along the thematic lines of human connection to the natural world and why that connection is so critical to our ability to survive and thrive as people. This film took on an essay or diary film form, using the filmmaker's voice as the narrative thread, dissecting and connecting various reflections of herself and the interview subjects along the way. There were other essay films that served as a source of inspiration for the structure of this film, primarily New York Times's Opinion Documentaries, an outlet for which this film may have an appropriate place. Ultimately, the intended purpose of this film and subsequent supporting paper is to inspire others to reflect on their own personal connection to special outdoor spaces and encourage the strengthening of the relationship between people and place.