Gila Film School
The Gila Film School was a first-of-its-kind documentary filmmaking program at New Mexico State University, offered in collaboration with the Forest Service, with the objective of creating a showcase of short films for the Centennial Celebration of the Gila Wilderness.
Thirteen students took part in the immersive three-semester program. In July 2022, the group spent twelve days in the Gila, making seven short documentaries about people living and working in the Gila Wilderness. The films reflect the unique natural, cultural and conservation history of the Gila. Through compelling human-interest stories, they explore the relationship between people and their natural environment, and the importance of protecting wilderness.
The Forest Service is hosting these films about the Gila Wilderness to share with educators and students to celebrate outdoor learning and the power of environmental storytelling. Each film is accompanied by a director statement, biographies of the student filmmakers, discussion questions and vocabulary.
Trailer
Films
DIRECTED BY INGRID LEYVA, EZEKIEL SOLIZ, SIGIDAVID TREVIZO
“Stewardship of the Gila” follows the journey of two young filmmakers through the Gila Wilderness as they explore the relationship between Indigenous ways of knowing and modern approaches to stewardship of the land.
Director’s Statement: Zeke Soliz
“What is the relationship between Indigenous ways of knowing and modern concepts of stewardship? Ingrid and I embarked on a journey to find out. As part of the Gila Film School, we spent 12 days in and around the Gila Wilderness, visiting historic sites and talking to professors, archeologists, tribal historic preservation officers, and Forest Service staff about what stewardship means to them. This film is especially important to me because, as someone who grew up in the Silver City area, the Gila is my home. It’s where I’ve spent so much of my life exploring and learning about the land, and the powerful stories it holds. The Gila Wilderness is the heart of southern New Mexico, and the nation’s first designated wilderness area. I’m hoping this film reaches broad audiences, and spreads awareness about the importance of connecting to the wisdom of the Native peoples, who stewarded the land for thousands of years. Making this film transformed me by allowing me to grasp a full understanding of what stewardship means, from its origins to what it looks like in modern times. Through this experience, I’ve deepened my love for the Gila and learned to appreciate all it has to offer.”
Featured Filmmakers
Ezekiel Soliz is a 21-year-old studying Digital Filmmaking at New Mexico State University. He has written and directed multiple short films, and is currently in pre-production on a short documentary, funded by Trout Unlimited, about his and his friends’ efforts to complete the New Mexico Game & Fish Trout Challenge in 24 hours. His hobbies include drawing, fishing, hiking, and pretty much any outdoor adventure. His family lives in Silver City, New Mexico, and he has a deep love for the Gila Wilderness.
Ingrid Leyva is a transborder person from Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua and El Paso, Texas. She is thrilled for this opportunity and the guidance she received in participating in this project/class. Her experience working in the field is as a still photographer and an activist. She is excited to use filmmaking to expand narratives worth sharing from the communities around us.
Vocabulary
- Archaeologist (noun) - Archaeologists learn about the past by studying sites and objects that people made, used, and left behind.
- Community (noun) - a group of people who work together. A community can also be a group of living things, like plants and animals who live in an area.
- Stewardship (noun) - the act of taking care of something.
Discussion Questions
- Stewardship means to take care of something. What does taking care of the land mean to you? How can we help keep the land healthy? In your neighborhood, your garden, your schoolyard?
- In the movie, Megan Saez says it is important to know about the history of a place and to have respect for people who have occupied the area for so long. What are ways that you can show respect?
- Diego Medina is from the Piro/Manso/Tiwa Tribe. He says that he often visits the Gila Cliff Dwellings to honor his family’s connection to the land. What is a place that means a lot to you and your family?
- Christopher Adams is an archaeologist for the Gila National Forest. What does an archaeologist do?
- In the movie, Megan Saenz says that taking care of the land is how she takes care of her community. What do you think she means?
DIRECTED BY NOAH MONTES & GAYLA LACY
SOUND DESIGN BY: ILIANA ARAGON
“Legacies of the Gila” explores the relationship between the Gila Wilderness and the communities alongside it, through the stories of a living historian, a park ranger, and a ranching family with a multi-generational history of conservation in the Gila.
Directors’ Statement: Noah Montes & Gayla Lacy
“Legacies of the Gila” explores the question: What is the relationship between wilderness and communities? How can communities exist and thrive alongside wilderness, by respecting it and encouraging people to visit it? Stewardship and conservation are the themes that drive this film, but family is what bonds the stories together. In the film, we meet a living historian who impersonates Aldo Leopold, a parker ranger at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, and the Campbell family, with a legacy of living and ranching in Gila Hot Springs since 1929. We hope that through environmental storytelling, this film will educate and inspire future generations to appreciate the legacies of wilderness and the work to protect it.
Featured Filmmakers
Gayla Lacy hails from Silver City, New Mexico. She is attending NMSU to study Digital Filmmaking, to help make the world a more interesting place through visual storytelling. She is so excited and honored to be a part of the Gila Film School project. Her whole life, she has been an adamant explorer and advocate for the Gila National Forest. It brings her great joy to help bring the Gila’s beauty to light through the art of film, and to convey the importance of its conservation.
Noah Montes is a 21-year-old filmmaker born and raised in El Paso, Texas, where he became a fluent speaker in both English and Spanish. He loves to lose himself in a video game, movie, show, or a game of basketball. He has experience in cinematography, editing, screenwriting and producing newscasts. There are many things that excite him about filmmaking, but most of all he looks forward to inspiring people with his art!
Vocabulary
- Community (noun) - a group of people who work together. A community can also be a group of living things, like plants and animals who live in an area.
- Compassion (noun) - caring about the feelings of other people.
- Living history (noun) - a way to learn about the past. People dress and act like they are from a different time in history, helping others understand what life was like in the past.
Discussion Questions
- In the movie, Kristi Lopez co-owns a country store near the Gila Wilderness. She makes biscuits like her grandfather, Doc Campbell. What are foods that are special to your family?
- In this movie, we hear from different community members who care for the Gila Wilderness. Who is part of your community? How can you be a good community member?
- Stephanie Schneider works as a park ranger for the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Part of her job is to interpret nature and history for people visiting. In the movie, why does she say this is important?
- Steve Morgan does living history as Aldo Leopold, an important person to the Gila Wilderness. Pretending to be Aldo Leopold, he says, "When you don't respect something, you lose the capacity for caring, for compassion, for helping things." Why is respect for nature and wildlife so important?
- Allen Campbell takes care of the hotsprings campground on the Gila River with his two sisters. In the movie, he says: "You don't own land. It owns you." What does he mean?
- We hear from multiple family members of Dawson “Doc” Campbell. What is Doc’s connection to the Gila Wilderness and the Gila Cliff Dwellings?
DIRECTED BY PATRICIA SOTO, REYES GABALDON, LUIS ROMAN
CINEMATOGRAPHY BY ANGEL SALGADO
SOUND DESIGN BY JARRETT GLADSTONE
“Tales of the Gila Trout” explores efforts to protect the threatened Gila Trout, a species native to the Gila Wilderness, through the stories of fish biologists, volunteers, and Forest Service wranglers.
Director’s Statement
Tales of the Gila Trout is a film about efforts to protect the threatened Gila trout, a species native to the Gila Wilderness. We follow Fisheries Biologist Leeanna Torres, retired Fish Biologist Jim Brooks, and Forest Service Wranglers Johnny Zapata and Zackary Law, as they share their work monitoring and restoring natural habitat, and rescuing Gila trout during wildfires. This film raises awareness about the value of protecting a native species, and inspires people to protect wild rivers. I am excited that this film will be screening for thousands of 4th graders across New Mexico, and for audiences around the country. We hope that by feeding young minds with tales of the Gila trout, we can help inspire kids to get outside and break the cycle of kids being addicted to their phones and technology.
Featured Filmmakers
Patricia Soto is a producer from the US/Mexico Borderlands, currently living in El Paso, TX. In 2022 she will graduate from the CMI program at NMSU, with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. She has produced multiple award-winning short student films and commercials and has crewed on studio productions. As a real estate agent turned film producer, Patricia has developed a unique perspective and a collaborative mindset. Influenced by Salma Hayek and Taika Waititi, she aspires to create inspiring and empowering films for the upcoming Latino generations.
Angel Salgado is a cinematographer born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He will be graduating from the Creative Media Institute program at NMSU with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. Although his focus is on camera work, he is also experienced in and open to other positions on set, always approaching things with an open mindset and always enthusiastic about learning new things.
Reyes Gabaldon, a Graduate of the Creative Media Institute, is a versatile writer/director hailing from New Mexico's borderlands. His portfolio spans horror shorts, queer dramas, and documentary films. Notably, he co-directed and edited a documentary funded by the US Forest Service, celebrated for its unique visual portrayal of the Gila Wilderness. In the future Reyes looks forward to a career as an independent filmmaker telling stories that impact the world around him.
Vocabulary
- Biologist (noun) - biologists study living things like plants and animals, and their habitats in forests, grasslands, and other places.
- Habitat (noun) - the natural home of an animal or plant. The habitat gives an animal or plant a place to live and space to find water and food.
- Indicator species (noun) - plants or animals that can show the condition of their habitats because of their sensitivity to changes. Studying indicator species can help scientists understand if a habitat changes.
- Restore (verb) - Working to bring a habitat to a more natural state. People do restoration by activities like cleaning up litter and planting trees and other native plants.
Discussion Questions
- In this movie, many people are working together to help fish and restore fish habitat. What are some of the different jobs people are doing? Why is this important?
- The Gila trout is described as an "indicator species." Indicator species help scientists understand how healthy a habitat is. What are some of the habitat needs of Gila trout?
- What are other plants and animals that are helped by a healthy Gila River habitat?
- Johhny Zapata and Zach Law describe rescuing Gila trout during a fire. Why are Gila trout removed from the river during a fire?
- Leanna Torres brings her son, Santiago, to the Gila River for the first time. “I want [kids] to know that the Gila is not just a place on the map, it’s a true place that is bigger than any map can describe. And about the fish. Fish are cool!” What does this mean to you?
DIRECTED BY SAMANTHA JASO, NIDIA JIMENEZ, JACKSON MARKMAN
SOUND DESIGN BY ILIANA ARAGON
“To Love a River” showcases the stories of people inspired by their love of the Gila River, and of a summer camp that connects young people with the wilderness.
Director’s Statement
The Gila River is the last free flowing river in New Mexico. "To Love a River" tells the stories of local conservation biologists and educators, and their efforts to protect this critical watershed for future generations. Just as the Gila River is the heart of the Gila Wilderness, it is also the heart of the Gila community. In the film, we experience an Eco-Camp where youth are empowered to understand, connect with and protect the Gila.
Featured Filmmakers
Nidia Jimenez was born and raised in El Paso, TX where she grew up hearing stories from the US/Mexico Borderlands. From a young age, she has been interested in creating stories and being part of the making of them. She has now begun to expand her knowledge in the film industry by attending NMSU and studying both Film and Finance. She hopes to gain knowledge of the logistical and business side of film productions, in order to be able to produce a variety of projects in the future.
Jackson Markman is a writer and producer interested in creating stories that impact the world. He was born in Los Angeles and brought up in Portland, Oregon. He is a student at NMSU's Creative Media Institute, where he has produced multiple student and independent films. His upcoming film, “Iris,” explores the breakdown of a Queer Latinx relationship. He looks forward to the opportunity to tell environmental stories that can raise awareness about the importance of conservation.
Samantha Jaso hails from El Paso, Texas, and is studying Digital Filmmaking at CMI. She has edited and directed three 48-Hour-Film Challenge films shot in El Paso. She believes that one of the most exciting things about filmmaking is the power to make a positive impact on an audience. She is excited to use her voice as a filmmaker to educate, bring awareness to a broader audience and make a community stronger.
Vocabulary
- Bird banding (noun) - An important part of studying the movement and habits of birds. Scientists who have a specific permit can put lightweight bands on the legs of birds, like bracelets. Each band is unique and has a specific code to help scientists monitor bird numbers and migration.
- Conservation biologist (noun) - A biologist who protects animals, plants, and the environment by studying their interactions.
- Hand drill fire (noun) - Using a hand tool to create friction to produce the heat that is needed to start a fire.
- Headwaters (noun) - The source or beginning of a river or stream.
Discussion Questions
- In the movie, Mike Fugagli talks about EcoCamp by saying “In order to protect the river, you first have to love the river.” He describes the Gila River as a “special place.” Is there a special place in nature near you that you love?
- Mike Fugagli says that there are approximately 350 bird species that use the Gila River corridor throughout the year. What are other ways that the Gila River is important to animals?
- Carol Ann Fugagli is a scientist who studies birds. What can we learn from studying birds?
- At EcoCamp, Naomi describes the experiences of the young people from the Fort Sill Apache Tribe. What are some of the skills they are practicing? Why is it important to continue having these experiences?
- Andrew Dahl-Bredine says that contact with nature is like a “reset button.” What does he mean? Do you agree or disagree?
DIRECTED BY JULIA DE LA O
SOUND DESIGN BY JARRETT GLADSTONE
“Fire Season” explores the complexity of fire management in the Gila Wilderness. At a time when climate change leads to mega-fires, forest firefighters work to enable fire to safely play its natural role to maintain healthy ecosystems.
SAFETY REMINDER: PLEASE PREVIEW “FIRE SEASON” BEFORE SHOWING THEM TO YOUNGER AUDIENCES TO ENSURE SUITABILITY.
Director’s Statement: Julia De La O
Initially, when planning the "Fire Season" documentary, I wanted to explore how climate change has impacted the management of wildfires and how it has had to evolve over time. The Gila Wilderness is home to many endangered species and historical monuments, and protecting these resources has always been the top priority in suppressing fires. However, with climate change, we have started to see how these decisions have affected the intensity of the fire season in the Gila Wilderness and other areas around the world. Although this project could have covered different topics, it was important for me to focus on how wildfires are handled and how the Gila Wilderness is uniquely managed. As I reflect on the growing issues surrounding climate change and its impact on the earth, such as the length and severity of fire seasons in different locations, I am reminded of my passion for the environment and conservation efforts. I believe that creating more documentaries on these topics is crucial for raising awareness and promoting change to preserve our natural world for future generations.
Featured Filmmakers
Julia De La O is an editor and reporter who has studied creative media for over seven years. She received a national first-place award in Broadcast Journalism, a national second-place award in Lifestyle Reporting at the Student Television Networking competition, and a state title for the News Story Category in Broadcast Journalism. For her conservation studies, she was selected to be a National Youth Delegate in Washington for a summit on the environment.
From superhero epics on an old VHS camcorder to the award-winning film “Time Limit” (2022), Bardo Sanchez has been making films since he could stand on his own two feet. He is a Director and Cinematographer from El Paso, Texas and is currently a student at CMI at NMSU. Mr. Sanchez is an Eagle Scout, the highest achievable level in scouting, and continues to volunteer with the program. He is very knowledgeable about the analog photography process, having learned to repair old equipment that he's used to shoot, develop, and print a large catalog of personal work. Mr. Sanchez is also well versed in different aspects of film production, working in positions both above and below the line.
DIRECTED BY CHERISH PEĂ‘A, LEXI MINTON
ANIMATED BY GABRIELA HERNANDEZ, ZAYDEN GREY, BRANDY PORTILLO
“Finding My Own Trail” tells the story of a young woman struggling with anxiety and depression, who experiences the benefits of spending time in the outdoors, while on a hiking trip in the Gila Wilderness.
SAFETY REMINDER: THIS FILM EMPHASIZES DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AND DEPICTS A STUDENT WANDERING OFF FROM THE GROUP AND GETTING LOST. PLEASE PREVIEW THE FILM BEFORE SHARING IT WITH STUDENTS.
Director’s Statement: Cherish Pena
Creating the documentary "Finding My Own Trail" holds deep personal significance for me. As someone who has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness and has struggled with anxiety and depression for much of my life, I felt compelled to share a message of solidarity and hope. Through this film, I aim to show that no one is alone in their struggles and to highlight the healing power of immersing oneself in nature. During one of the most challenging years of my life, I found myself working two jobs and dealing with the stress of being a full-time college student, whilst going through personal life struggles, which led to severe burnout. I realized I needed a break from the relentless pace and constant work. My journey to the Gila Wilderness became a vital retreat, offering me the space and tranquility to process my emotions. Surrounded by the pure beauty and serenity of nature, I found solace and a hopeful sense of peace. Through "Finding My Own Trail," I hope to inspire others to seek and experience the comfort of nature. The Gila Wilderness is a place of bliss, an escape from the fast-paced life in the city, and a testament to the transformative power of slowing down and reconnecting with the natural world.
Featured Filmmakers
Cherish Pena is from Las Cruces, New Mexico. She is a senior at NMSU majoring in Digital Filmmaking and minoring in Marketing. She has worked on many short film projects throughout her four years of education at NMSU. She absolutely loves to create, and her main areas of interest are editing and directing. Aside from creating digital film work, she is the music director at the campus radio station, KRUX 91.5.
Lexi Minton is from El Paso, Texas but has lived in many places. She has a love for cinematography and nature photography. She is interested in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. She grew up fishing, hunting and camping and so animals and their evolutions to adapt to their environment are what she quite enjoys learning about.
Ky Blohm, born in McKinney, Texas, and raised across the Southwest, graduated from New Mexico Military Institute in 2020. He is now a senior at New Mexico State University, majoring in Digital Filmmaking and minoring in Journalism and Media Studies, set to graduate in May 2024. Ky has over seven years of experience as a portrait photographer. In college, he discovered a passion for film editing and screenwriting, contributing to short films and a documentary for the Forest Service's centennial celebration of the Gila Wilderness. He is currently developing a television series.
DIRECTED BY ARACELI “BLUE” HERNANDEZ & DOM ADAME
“What We Hold Sacred” follows a group of 13 New Mexico State University students as they venture into the Gila Wilderness in an effort to film 6 documentaries, during the first ever Gila Film School.
Director’s Statement: Araceli “Blue” Hernandez
What We Hold Sacred explores the impact and importance of telling stories about wilderness and conservation, and increasing the diversity of the people who create these stories. Together with Dom Adame, I documented the journey of 13 New Mexico State University students from diverse backgrounds, as they overcame many challenges in the process of making six documentary films about people’s relationships with the Gila Wilderness. On this journey, the students discovered what they hold sacred, and the sacredness of the wilderness that we seek to protect.
As a Mexican-American filmmaker from the borderlands, who grew up with younger siblings and limited access to the outdoors, it is so important to me to show younger generations the endless possibilities and opportunities that a connection with the outdoors can provide.
I am hoping that this film will inspire young people, with backgrounds similar to the students making these films, to get outside and discover what they hold sacred. I also hope that this film will encourage other universities and organizations to offer programs like the Gila Film School, to provide similar experiences for students and the younger generations. Throughout the process of making this film about transformational journeys, I, myself was transformed. I learned more about how I, as an individual, can work to inspire and empower others through the process of visual storytelling, and how I can contribute to providing others an experience just like this through that same process.
Featured Filmmakers
Araceli Hernandez is a graduate of the Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University, with a Bachelor’s in Digital Film Making, a minor in Animation & Visual Effects, and a minor in Marketing. During her time at CMI, a short film she worked on called LoveLace won the audience award at the Las Cruces International Film Festival in March of 2020 and her collaborative documentary titled Success: A documentary about failure was screened on a local public media channel as well as at NMSU’s CMI Drive-In Showcase. She spends her free time hiking, fishing, and creating/collecting oddities. Some of her closest friends have referred to her as a professional bad ass with an amazing sense of humor, a positive attitude and a unique outlook on life. Araceli is pursuing a filmmaking career where she can incorporate both her love of film and her love of nature.
Born in the Land of Enchantment, Dominic Adame is a Hispanic artist and NMSU graduate from Carlsbad, New Mexico. At NMSU, Dominic earned a bachelor's degree in Creative Media with a focus on digital filmmaking. In those four years, Dominic learned how visual storytelling helps in using a creative voice that builds community and spreads love. With a focus on visual art, Dominic learned a little bit of everything between graphic design, photography, and filmmaking. After a pandemic struck in the middle of Dominic's college career, Dominic directed some documentaries (which failed successfully), made some short films (one of them in 48 hours), and interned with the Television Academy Foundation after graduating in 2021. As a first-generation graduate, Dominic now works as a freelance artist in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Vocabulary
- Director (noun) - The person who guides the making of the movie.
- Editor (noun) - The person who cuts and puts together scenes to create the final movie.
- Producer (noun) - The person who makes sure the movie can be made; producers handle the money and logistics.
- Transformative (adjective) - Causing a change or transformation (growth, for example) in someone or something.
Discussion Questions
- Describe some things the college students enjoyed about being in the Gila Wilderness and making these films?
- Why is it important for young people, especially those from different backgrounds, to tell the stories in their films?
- Thirteen students from diverse backgrounds spent 12 days in the Gila Wilderness, making seven documentaries (including this one). What kind of movie would you want to make?
- If you were a director, editor, or producer making films about nature, what part of nature would you most enjoy?
- The students talked about the experience as being transformative. What does that mean? What are some of the ways the students said they changed?