Film trailer
Synopsis
A small town saves a big salamander. In a small rural town in Pennsylvania, the refuge of a rare salamander and the only source of clean drinking water for 700 people is threatened by the installation of a fracking waste injection well, prompting community members to band together and mount an epic fight for the rights of their people and nature.
Film awards
HIGHLIGHTS
20 + Film Festivals
Hellbent was featured in over 20 film festivals across the world, connecting audiences around the theme of rights of nature.
7 Major Impact Partners
Working with a diverse array of partners, including nonprofits, universities, nature centers, community activist groups, legal groups and zoos to reach a wide audience.
Over 30 Community Screenings
Communities across the world connected together and learned about the powerful work a small group in Grant Township are doing to stop corporations.
Hellbent impact campaign
Across Appalachia, many communities are facing environmental injustice—often without realizing it. This film project aims to empower those communities by shedding light on the grassroots movement that began in Grant Township, Pennsylvania, where local residents used the 'rights of nature' to stand up against corporations exploiting marginalized communities. Through their story, the film offers a roadmap for resistance and resilience.
GOAL #1
Assist and empower communities in identifying and addressing environmental injustice.
GOAL #2
Connect marginalized communities to helpful resources.
GOAL #3
Help build momentum and awareness of the Rights of Nature movement.
RIGHTS OF NATURE TOOLKIT AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL
In partnership with Wild Spark and Miami University, several toolkits and education materials were developed for communities in need and for students in areas impacted by fracking.
news and press
FINALIST: JACKSON WILD SUMMIT
Hellbent was shared among the Jackson Wild Summit in Jackson, Wyoming and received a Green Production Award for its sustainable production.
Allegheny Front
A new film connects the plight of hellbenders with concerns over gas development. Listen to this feature interview with the co-directors of hellbent.
EARTH TO HUMANS: HELLBENT
The production crew was featured on the “Earth to Humans” podcast and talked about the impact the film has had and the work the community of Grant Township does to preserve their way of life and the hellbender.
AUDIENCE CHOICE: ACFF
Hellbent brought home the 2023 Audience Choice Award at the American Conservation Film Festival. This award was voted on by audience members attending the festival.
ZOO HELLBENDERS NAMED IN HONOR OF JUDY & STACY
The Cincinnati Zoo named their two hellbenders located in the herpetarium after Judy and Stacy, the two ladies who have been in the fight of their lives for the last decade to protect their community.
BEST SHORT: NY WILD
Hellbent brought home the award for Best Short at the 9th Annual New York WILD Film Festival hosted by the Explorers Club. This award was selected by a jury.
SONY ECHOES
Co-directors Justin Grubb and Annie Roth interviewed with Sony and talked about the making of the film along with the equipment used and why Sony was helpful in filming a hard to find salamander underwater.
HELLBENT At Reel Wild New York
Co-Director Justin Grubb and Producer Alex Goetz stand with the hellbender model at the WCS Reel Wild New York Film Festival in April, 2025.
Production photo gallery
