CONSERVING MOUNTAINS, 10min., USA
Directed by Kaitlyn Leach
An educational short documentary discussing some of the wildlife conservation efforts happening around the state of West Virginia. Throughout the film you will listen to a local DNR Assistant Chief, Wildlife Biologist, and Park Rangers talk about West Virginia's varying wildlife. The specialists will further talk about the local wildlife's importance to our ecosystems, and the conservation projects they work on to help ensure their protection and educate the public about them.

https://www.wildkat-media.com/conserving-mountains
https://www.instagram.com/wildkat_media/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I was motivated to make this film because I grew up in West Virginia and I wanted to share the beauty I grew up knowing with others.

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

All together it took me five months to complete this film. The idea was pitched and approved in April. Everything was booked and planned out in May then the film was shot in June. Editing, foley production and music production all took place in July and August.

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

Local efforts

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Film time. This was my final project for my masters and we were restricted on how many days we could film. So it was difficult to be able to find several of the animals to film in the wild by myself.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was excited to see that quite a few people seemed to really enjoy my film.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I realized I wanted to make films after the first short film I made in my
photography undergrad.

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

The film I have seen most in my life is Jurassic Park.

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

Help filmmakers connect with other filmmakers.

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

I really enjoyed my experience with this platform.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is pasta.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am currently researching and planning to make a film on pollinators and their dwindling numbers. Especially our night time pollinators such as moths and bats.