ANCIENT LANDS AND LIVES - ABOVE THE GRAND CANYON RIMS, 9min., USA
Directed by Carol J. Amore
Ancient Lands & Lives- Above The Grand Canyon Rims is a high impact and fast-paced short Docu-music video that embraces Arizona’s Grand Canyon wildlife experience through versatile animal habitats and its resilient pinyon-juniper evergreen trees on the Canyon's Rims. Its vast colorful canyon rock formations reveal layers in geological time, dramatic thunderstorms with rising cloud formations, dark night skies (Milky Way Galaxy visible) and sacred tribal lands.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I believe short visual documentaries can make a tremendous difference
in inspiring audiences to explore new areas of the world from their backyard to natural wonders. The wildlife, ancient tribes and the night skies light the way
for self-discovery through the journey to the Grand Canyon National Park Area.

2. From the idea to the finished product,
how long did it take for you to make this film?
Since I had previously traveled the Grand Canyon I wanted to find a new
visual perspective in which audiences at all ages could connect. I had to obtain a commercial film permit from the Grand Canyon National Park Service before I could professionally photograph or film there. It took about one year(2023) to film and produce this short film.
Selecting access to difficult locations and connecting with wildlife specialists
in advance of arriving there was critical. Planning is everything, even bringing rattlesnake guards was a good idea. Access to water when carrying heavy camera equipment is life-saving.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE!
Blending wildlife, the ancient Grand Canyon and night skies
helps shape this immersive experience along with the
music composer and performers by Mark Wood,
original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Filming wildlife in their own habitat using film and remote cameras in rough terrain and high altitude areas(7500 ft.) of the Grand Canyon.
Anticipating the path the animals were mostly likely to travel during their nighttime movements and search for water and hunting for food.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?
I was impressed by the audience observations as they saw the weaving of the different wildlife, indigenous Hopi Kachinas, the night skies and even the weather impacting the Grand Canyon terrain.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I have been to the Grand Canyon several times and wanted to build and optimistic story about its a wide range of experiences that nature and its lands deliver including wildlife, ancient geological formations, night skies
and the sacred tribal stories of its ancient inhabitants.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Films I see are right in front of me through direct observation.
I enjoy any wildlife and nature film with a compelling story.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking
career?
Your team helped engage audiences with all levels of experience.
I appreciated the video feedback which gain me insight to see how my intended visual film and music designed impacted others.

9. You submitted to the festival via Film Freeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Yes, I have won over seventy film awards including the
Cannes World Film Festival for BEST Nature/Wildlife film.
See the PRESS section of ancientlandsandlives.com and/or
Film Freeway awards.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Healthy foods, homemade Italian specialties and local ethnic foods(Indian)
I lived in the Indian wilderness on and off for three years while making
my award-winning TIGERS-Tracking a Legend film.(www.tigerstracking.com)

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Arctic Polar Bear Mothers is the upbeat short film/music video that I am filming and producing for release end of December 2024.