OUR IMPACT DECLARATION

What is the one thing that connects all of us? Not just all humans, or even all animals, but all living entities. Our Earth is home to nearly 8 billion people and 8.7 millions different species of animals and plants.We are only given one earth. One environment for all creatures, to move, eat, sleep, live. However, in recent years many environments have been stripped away, due to humanity’s own self destruction. 

As filmmakers it is our job to highlight and document the stories of those who cannot speak on their own such as those who are being taken from their homes or who have had their homes taken from them. Such is the case of our crew for Feral, and the 150 feral horses facing possible extinction on Cumberland Island.

Cumberland Island is designated as a National seashore and wilderness according to the National Park Services. With this designation comes many benefits yet some disadvantages for other animals. 150 Feral Horses are designated as “wild animals” in the park, leaving them to fend for themselves with the aid of the National Park Services. Organizations such as WildCumberland have proposed ethical means to let the population of horses die out. 

The horses are too heavy for wetland marshes and have a multitude of other habitats that degrade both themselves and the habitat.  The horses sink into the soft dirt, mud, or sand getting stuck and starving to death.  As well, the horses destroy massive amounts of vegetation in areas they frequent; destroying other habitat for other animals.  Though the most affected animals by Feral Horses are that of Sea Turtles which trample their nests. Organizations such as WildCumberland wish to educate people about the suffering and destructiveness of the Feral Horses on Cumberland Island.  Their stance is to remove the Horses ethically through the use of contraception or vasectomy of the entire male population.  

The National Park Services and that of Local tourism’s stance is to currently keep the horses on the island as it is a way of supporting an influx of visitors to the Island. Though who has the choice to allow them to die out on their own or be euthanized?

An animal is currently struggling in an environment that it is not adapted for. Often getting stuck in and sinking into the Earth; starving to death or being victimized by predators like that of alligators. As a result of lack of human correction, the female mare horses tend to procreate at a much younger age than they should. More likely than not, it leads to malnutrition for the horses. As a result of the non-native species other animals are struggling as well. The biggest case of all is that of sea turtles. Having their nests trampled by the large mammal on the sandy beaches.  

GOALS AND DISTRIBUTION

Our goal is for this documentary to reach domestic markets for television, theatrical, and commercial release. We would ultimately like this film to stretch and reach potential environmental companies and activists. With their support and distribution, we can further our message on a larger platform. We plan on submitting to film festivals around the United States and environmental-oriented film festivals around the world. From here, we plan to seek distribution from entities that support regenerative agriculture and environmental change. Additionally, we are open to the documentary’s use as an educational tool for schools, colleges, and universities across the United States. 

We will be submitting this documentary to film festivals in the short form documentary category. We will be targeting environmental film festivals, Georgia based festivals, and student festivals. Some of the festivals we plan on submitting to include: 

  • Ag & Art Film Festival

  • American Conservation Film Festival

  • Atlanta Docufest

  • Big Sky Documentary Film Festival

  • Colorado Environmental Film Festival

  • Dayton Independent Film Festival 

  • Environmental Film & Screenplay Festival

  • Green Screen Environmental Film Festival (T&T)

  • Lookout Wild Film Festival

  • North Dakota Environmental Rights Film Festival

  • SCAD Savannah Film Festival

  • Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival 

In An Ideal World

This would bring about conversation about what can be done for the feral horses of Cumberland Island and create an emotional connection with our audience.  It would also spark change in how the National Park Services designates the animal, reduce the struggling of the horses and get them the care that they need.      

This documentary’s timing and release is critically important. The point of this documentary is to outline the current situation of 150 feral horses facing possible extinction on Cumberland Island. An animal is currently struggling in an environment that it is not adapted for. Often getting stuck in and sinking into the Earth; starving to death or being victimized by predators like that of alligators. With your support, we can help bring awareness to these poor creatures. 

Disclaimer: This documentary is meant to bring awareness to this cause rather than point blame, in hopes of brining enough attention for someone to find a strong solution.

PLEASE BACK OUR IMPACT DECLARATION BY FILLING OUT THE FORM BELOW

LIST OF BACKERS

HARPER BROCK

SEAN MUPRHY

JACOB OLIVER

AARON PRICE