About the Film

Hidden away in the Midwest region of the United States, a globally rare ecosystem is fragmented and scattered. Composed of oak savannas and wet prairies, this is the last stronghold for over ⅓ of Ohio’s threatened and endangered species.

This 60-minute natural history film will not only reveal the beauty of this forgotten region, but be the centerpiece of an impact campaign to restore and protect this habitat.

Despite its designation as globally rare, only 10% of the Oak Openings region is permanently protected, and less than 1% of Midwestern oak savannas remain. The film follows the lives of recurring characters over the span of a year that call this ecosystem home: a barred owl mother raising two chicks when her mate suddenly disappears, a family of foxes living in the backyard of a private landowner, cunning raccoons navigating the streets and suburbs of human development, a large oak tree serving as the heart of the region, and more.

This film showcases the beauty of a forgotten region that spans from northwest Ohio into southeast Michigan, and was named one of 200 of the “Last Great Places on Earth,” by The Nature Conservancy.

Our experience in wildlife filmmaking allows us to capture intimate, rarely seen moments in the lives of animals. Through our years of filming in extreme and remote environments, we’ve developed a style that combines patience, technical skill, and a deep respect for the natural world. Whether it's documenting elusive predators on the hunt or quietly observing the tender care of a mother with her young, we create a sense of closeness that allows viewers to feel truly immersed in the animal's world.

YOUR BACKYARD IS A STRONGHOLD

A major component of the film will be highlighting wildlife relationships and interactions that play out in the backyards of residents living within and near the Oak Openings region. The film will feature simple things people can do at home to help increase usable habitat for wildlife and preserve the Oak Openings ecosystem.

EXPANDING HABITAT PROTECTIONS

Another major component of the film will be to raise funds for the protection of Oak Openings habitat through easements, parks, and other means. These funds will go directly to entities working to preserve the park and to expand its area of legal protection from just 10%.

This film will be the centerpiece of an impact campaign to educate local residents and visitors about the importance of the region, the need to restore ecosystems, and protect this unique habitat by partnering with Green Ribbon Initiative (GRI) partners.

Upon completion of the film, each GRI partner will receive a package of digital short films (~8 short videos), each focused on specific natural history subjects featured in the film to use for educational programming in their respective organizations. 

Additionally, we plan to do a film festival tour, accompanied by local screenings to Midwest audiences, families, and schools.

We will develop school curriculums for various grades based in the Next Generation Science Standards and distribute materials relating to the unique wildlife species, plants, and ecosystems found within this important landscape to our local school partners.

This film will support

• Mitigating Carbon Emissions

• Helping People/Freshwater

• Healthy Lands

• Local Leaders

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We are seeking partners and supporters to help bring this film to life. If you're passionate about preserving the Oak Openings region and want to contribute to a feature film that showcases its beauty, wildlife, and the urgent need for its conservation, we invite you to reach out through the contact form. Together, we can inspire action and expand protection for this critical habitat.

Contact us about our sponsorship options and benefits.