Wild and Scenic Film Festival 2019 - Monumental
Following the monumental decision to reduce the size of Bears Ears National Monument, one woman sets out to experience the land local Native Americans hold so dear to their hearts.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Hannah Mattner
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! I made this documentary for my senior thesis film at Chapman University. Going into the development and research stage I knew I wanted to use whatever film I ended up making to share a message that inspired others to care about nature and our environment, one that would encourage people to get out and see these stunning places, share stories about their own personal connections with them, and add fuel to the growing fire that our environment and planet need to be protected. It wasn’t until the news about the list of monuments that were to be reviewed by President Trump was released that I knew it was going to center around this issue. I had already decided to focus on either Bears Ears or Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monuments when it was announced that they were being reduced in size. It ended up working rather well for the documentary despite the overall unfortunate circumstances.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I believe people should watch this film because it sheds light on an issue that not enough people know about, sadly. Oftentimes, environmental news is barely covered on the media outlets that majority of people use and if it is it usually isn’t in a way that the audience can have an emotional connection or response to. The same goes with online articles and social media outlets. Every day we scroll our news feeds and timelines and easily miss really important stories, so I think taking 16 minutes or so of time to watch a documentary that could allow one to connect in a way they otherwise wouldn’t is well worth it.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The personal themes are ones of discovery and pursuit on behalf of me being in the film itself looking to experience and develop a personal connection to a land that I had never even heard of before, while Kee and his representation of the Native American people that have direct ties to the land would be one of justice. Yet, at the end of the day, we’re all united in a pursuit of protecting this land as a whole because we recognize its importance culturally and environmentally.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
In the beginning, I was actually going to film in both Bears Ears and Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monuments and interview people on both sides of the issue in both locations; those for and against the national monuments as well as getting both the Native American and Utah residents’ perspectives. As time went on though, I realized that there would be too many voices and topics involved and decided to focus solely on Bears Ears. That allowed me to dig deeper into a single issue rather than spread thin across multiple ones. It really became a balance of deciding how much information to share versus establish an emotional connection that the audience could relate to. I’m quite happy with how it turned out in the end!
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I heard from many people that it really educated them on a topic they had no idea was even happening and inspired them to want to go travel and see those places for themselves. It also helped many people engage with the stories and history of local Native American tribes, which is something I really wanted people to connect to as well. It’s been incredibly encouraging to hear that kind of positive feedback!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’m not sure if any of it has surprised or challenged my point of view as much as it’s encouraged me to keep going down that path of forming deeper connections with the environment and making sure I’m doing my part, in whatever capacity that is, to ensure its protection for generations to come.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would hope it would create more awareness and educate people on not only the issues regarding our public lands, parks and monuments, but to spark something in people to evaluate their personal lives and see how they as individuals can live their lives being good stewards of those places and the environment as a whole, encouraging others to do the same as well.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I’d love to be able to make this documentary into more of a series that would focus on and highlight each of the monuments and public lands under review. I suppose anyone that could be a part of helping amplify the film’s message in that capacity would be incredible.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I feel like I’ve stated it already, but having this film ignite that united pursuit in us as a whole population to care for and protect our public lands and our environment in whatever capacity they can. Whether it’s politically, individually, through non-profits, etc., if we are united in it we can see a positive impact.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Since the government technically works for the people, shouldn’t they be forced to get approval from the people in the state and area under question regarding its protection and national monument/park status, in addition to its boundary lines?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently editing a documentary for a Christian organization based in Texas, which centers around a 50-day event that they held in Dallas-Fort Worth back in 2017.
Interview: January 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Monumental
Following the monumental decision to reduce the size of Bears Ears National Monument, one woman sets out to experience the land local Native Americans hold so dear to their hearts.
Length: 16:13
Director: Hannah Mattner
Producer: Hannah Mattner
Writer: Hannah Mattner
About the writer, director and producer:
Based in Southern California, HANNAH MATTNER works as a freelance photographer and documentary filmmaker. Passionate about nature, the environment, and travel, she seeks to inspire others to see the beauty in creation through her work.
Key cast: Hannah Mattner, Kee Kaibetony, Rebecca Kaibetony
Looking for: producers, buyers, distributors
Instagram: @hannahmattner
Funders: Family and friends, but if you need the specifics, their names are Mary Ann Grondzik and Sharon Gove
Made in association with: No one, I made the film on my own for my senior thesis at Chapman University.
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Since the film is still in its festival run it isn’t public yet, but I will have it online for the public to view once it is finished. I am thinking this will be sometime toward the end of the year.