Filmmaking

Stories Happen in Forests

We hiked out into the forests of the Southeast to listen. What we found in the power of story and in our connections to the forest is more important now than ever.

Forests hold our stories. Our history. Our dreams. Our strength. Our future. Humanity happens in forests. Stories happen in forests.

Stories Happen in Forests is an award-winning short documentary featuring 12 people in the woods sharing their stories of personal connection to the forest. Stories is Amanda’s directorial debut.

Trailer

A film by AMANDA RODRIGUEZ a DOGWOOD ALLIANCE production “Stories Happen in Forests” in association with CALL TO ACTION CREATIVE directed by AMANDA RODRIGUEZ director of photography and editor ANDREA DESKY presented by DAYNA REGGERO and CLIMATE LISTENING PROJECT executive producer GAIA HERBS

Film Reviews

“An enchanting look into the phenomenal potential of nature’s/the outdoor’s influence on various aspects of any person’s life – from spirituality, to social identity, to artistic value, to scientific properties – all of these facets are examined through the stories of different individuals with their own unique backgrounds and perspectives. Shot and edited exquisitely. Simply marvelous on so many levels.”

Broadcast Film Critics Association

“A remarkable narrative concept by using chapters to weave several mini-stories about “nature and the forests.” This was beautiful from a ‘story’ level and the technical achievements were stellar. The stories cover so many aspects of life: medicine, spiritual life, art, recreation, food, social connections, disability, community…it truly was a beautiful way to find connections to the life of nature.”

Broadcast Film Critics Association

Film Photos

Learn More

To learn more, visit the Stories Happen in Forests film website.