A VALLEY REBORN, 11min., USA
Directed by Zach Marks
"A Valley Reborn" is a short documentary that highlights the careful restoration of a portion of the San Miguel River, situated in the historic town of Telluride, Colorado. Led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS), this project aims to remediate the adverse effects of a century of mining activity, which left the riverbed laden with heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. This film captures the entire restoration process, from initial assessment to final cleanup. The film features interviews with experts, community members, and stakeholders involved in the project. By addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices, we can safeguard water quality, preserve ecosystems, and educate future generations.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to make this film after visiting Telluride in the summer of 2020. guided by my good friend, Carlo Pine, I was enthralled by the beauty of the valley and I wanted to do everything possible to spend as much time there. Then in 2022 when the EPA announced the plan to start this restoration project I quickly began to research and plan for A Valley Reborn. Learning about the passion the community had for this land, it was an easy choice to move to Telluride for the summer and start filming. Camping outside of town and filming this project was an unforgettable experience for my team and I.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took us 1.5 years.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Breathtaking and important

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
We lost all of our b-roll from summer 2022 due to a harddrive overheating and corrupting itself. So we had to go back in summer 2023 to film again.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very happy watching the audience reactions, they were what I expected.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized I wanted to make films at a young age and have been making short films my whole life. It was in college that I realized my passion was environmental films.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Parasite

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
More interaction with other filmmakers!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It has been very easy to submit.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am in the research and development for a new film about kelp forests off the coast of Los Angeles.