FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Matthew Benton
Filmmaker, Fish for the Future (Super Short Film Award Winner)
Matthew Benton filmmaker of Fish for the Future will accept the the 2026 Super Short Award after Short Film Block 1.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
SCREENING STARTS AT 1PM
BIO
Matthew Benton is a documentary filmmaker and photographer focused on environmental stories through a human lens. Since moving to Los Angeles more than a decade ago, he has worked on several documentary projects dedicated to restoring Malibu and Los Angeles coastlines alongside his grassroots efforts organizing with Surfrider Foundation LA.
Christopher Paetkau
Filmmaker, Wildlife Producer, and Technology Strategist
Christopher Paetkau will Zoom in to discuss an AI combined approach to wildlife storytelling after Film Block 1.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
SCREENING STARTS AT 1PM
BIO
Christopher Paetkau is a wildlife producer and technology strategist redefining how natural history content is created. With credits for Netflix, BBC Studios, Disney, and Wild Kingdom, he pairs deep field experience with cutting-edge AI workflows to accelerate production and expand creative possibilities. Through nAIture, Paetkau leads a new tech-driven approach to wildlife storytelling–one that’s fast, scalable, and built for the future of the genre.
Sam Le Grys
Filmmaker, Wild Hope: Building for Birds
Sam LeGrys, filmmaker of Wild Hope: Building for Birds will do a Q&A after Short Film Block 2.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
SCREENING STARTS AT 3:30PM
BIO
Sam LeGrys is an Emmy Award-winning producer and experienced cinematographer who strives to share the natural world with global audiences. After getting his start at National Geographic’s in-house production studio, Sam spent more than a decade exploring the role filmmaking can play in expanding conservation efforts worldwide and educating through entertainment. He has contributed to more than 50 hours of broadcast and digital media, specializing in stories about wildlife, science, and exploration.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Katie Schuler
Filmmaker, In Her Nature
Katie Schuler, co-creator of the In Her Nature series, along with Jocelyn Stokes will offer a Q&A after Short Film Block 3.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
SCREENING STARTS AT 11AM
BIO
Jocelyn Stokes and Katie Schuler have collectively filmed wildlife and conservation projects in more than 50 countries. Stokes’ work as a filmmaker, wildlife biologist, and naturalist guide serves as an excellent complement to Schuler’s award-winning work documenting the relationship between humans and wildlife.
Jocelyn Stokes
Filmmaker, In Her Nature
Jocelyn Stokes, co-creator of the In Her Nature series, along with Katie Schuler, will offer a Q&A after Short Film Block 3.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
SCREENING STARTS AT 11AM
BIO
Jocelyn Stokes and Katie Schuler have collectively filmed wildlife and conservation projects in more than 50 countries. Stokes’ work as a filmmaker, wildlife biologist, and naturalist guide serves as an excellent complement to Schuler’s award-winning work documenting the relationship between humans and wildlife.
Melanie Lippert
Sound Designer, In Her Nature
Melanie Lippert, worked on sound for the In Her Nature Series and will be joining the panel discussion after Short Film Block 3.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
SCREENING STARTS AT 11AM
BIO
Based in D.C., Melanie Lippert is an Associate Producer for National Geographic’s Pristine Seas team. She has worked on conservation and film projects throughout the world. Previously working as a journalist, zookeeper and biologist, Melanie has a unique perspective and understanding of natural history storytelling. Having worked closely with trafficked, endemic & endangered species, she is particularly passionate about stories that intertwine people and wildlife.
Jess Wiegandt Gomez
Editor, In Her Nature
Jess Wiegandt Gomez helped edit the In Her Nature Series and will be joining the panel discussion after Short Film Block 3.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
SCREENING STARTS AT 11AM
BIO
Jess Wiegandt Gomez is a documentary filmmaker who combines her background in outdoor education with storytelling. She is happiest working on stories about global changemakers who inspire her – and in turn, audiences – to take positive action for our planet. Bonus points if that story involves water. More about Jess and her work can be found on her website.
Ash Benzwie
Lead Editor, In Her Nature: Sloth Detectives
Ash Benzwie was lead editor on In Her Nature: Sloth Detectives and will be joining the panel discussion after Short Film Block 3.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
SCREENING STARTS AT 11AM
BIO
Ash Benzwie is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker and editor. With roots in art, music, and community organizing— she brings a deep sensitivity to sound, rhythm, and environment. She has an affinity for uncovering the human side of any story —crafting emotionally grounded films that explore our relationship with the world.
Dr. Christine Wimer
President, Jefferson County Foundation
After Short Film Block 4, Dr. Christine Wimer will join us for a Q&A about the proposed data center in Jefferson County.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
SCREENING STARTS AT 1:30PM
BIO
Dr. Christine Wimer, President of the nonprofit Jefferson County Foundation, has a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in applied molecular biology and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. She’s a board-certified surgeon and has completed a post-doc in equine immunology. Jefferson County Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, supports and promotes effective and accountable government, sustainable development, and the protection of health, heritage, and the environment in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
Kayla Shea
Filmmaker, Data Center Tipping Point
Kayla Shea, filmmaker of Data Center Tipping Point will join us for the screening of her film in Short Film Block 4.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
SCREENING STARTS AT 1:30PM
BIO
Kayla Shea is an award-winning producer and director for Bloomberg Originals. Her documentary work has covered topics such as gun violence, technological development, and deportations. Additionally, Shea has worked as an editor, line producer and showrunner of a limited series.
Holly Jonas
Director of Mongabay’s Network Program
Holly Jonas will speak about the impact of environmental activists after Short Film Block 5.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
SCREENING STARTS AT 4PM
BIO
Holly Jonas is the Director of Mongabay’s Network Program, which supports a growing global network of environmental journalists through fellowships, professional development opportunities, and events. She has about 20 years’ experience with nonprofit organizations around the world and has a background in international law, natural and social sciences, and now journalism. In her personal capacity, she is a volunteer member of the DC Environmental Film Festival’s Advisory Council.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
KT Bryden
Filmmaker, Little Brown Bird
KT Bryden, filmmaker of Little Brown Bird will offer a Q&A after Short Film Block 6.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
SCREENING STARTS AT 11AM
BIO
KT Bryden is an Emmy-winning cinematographer, conservationist, and storyteller dedicated to creating compelling narratives about the natural world. Her work, featured on Disney+, PBS, and National Geographic, bridges the gap between science and storytelling. As the executive producer and film director at Wildpath, Bryden partners with scientists, conservationists, and storytellers to craft powerful, purpose-driven films. Whether capturing rare wildlife moments or delving into the emotional stakes of conservation, she is deeply committed to inspiring audiences to protect the planet.
Mark Angelo
Internationally-celebrated River Conservationist
Mark Angelo film subject of The Rewilders (Green Fire Award Winner), will speak after Short Film Block 7.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
SCREENING STARTS AT 1:30PM
BIO
Mark Angelo is a renowned Canadian river conservationist, writer, speaker, teacher, and paddler. He founded BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day, now celebrated in over 100 countries annually. A recipient of UN recognition, the Order of Canada, and multiple honorary doctorates, his work inspires global river protection and environmental stewardship worldwide.
Kyle Gunther
Filmmaker, The Rewilders (Green Fire Award Winner)
Kyle Gunther, filmmaker of The Rewilders will accept his Green Fire Award after Short Block 7.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
SCREENING STARTS AT 1:30PM
BIO
Kyle Gunther spent 25 years working in international humanitarian development across four continents and nineteen countries, managing large-scale programs, budgets, and teams. In 2019, he transitioned into the Canadian film industry, contributing to feature documentaries and television series. His passion for conservation and extensive global experience helped forge key partnerships that brought The Rewilders to life on screen.
