FILMS
I have been a documentary filmmaker, primarily for public television, since 1977. My first film, A COMMON MAN’S COURAGE won the award as Best Local Public Television Program in the US for 1977 from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Since then I have produced 40 documentaries and many more shorter films of 5-15 minutes in length. I have received more than 100 regional, national and international awards for filmmaking. The John de Graaf Environmental Filmmaking Award, named for me, is presented annually at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Nevada City, California. 15 of my documentaries have been broadcast nationally in primetime on PBS, including the popular special AFFLUENZA. My films have been acclaimed by TV critics and my 1985 film VISIBLE TARGET was called “wondrously well-done” by John Corry of The New York Times. My 2005 film SILENT KILLER was chosen by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to celebrate its 60th anniversary. I have taught filmmaking at the University of Washington (extension), The Evergreen State College and Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts. I worked as an in-house independent producer of documentaries for KCTS, the Seattle PBS affiliate, from 1982-2014.
NEW!
FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA: KATHARINE LEE BATES AND THE STORY OF AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: https://www.seatoshiningseafilm.org/
STEWART UDALL: THE POLITICS OF BEAUTY https://stewartudallfilm.org/
Here are some of my most popular documentaries
In some cases, you may watch them in full; in others, the link is to a preview.
A biography of the social reformer, educator and prolific poet who wrote America’s most popular song. Provides a surprising look at hidden metaphorical meanings in the song’s four verses and a deep dive into the historical events that shaped it. A celebration and a critique of American ideals and policies as our nation turns 250, this film was adapted into a symphonic production by the renowned Boston Pops Orchestra.
A comprehensive biography of America’s most famous Interior Secretary, who took the lead in the establishment of America’s most important environmental laws and the preservation of millions of acres of American lands in National Parks and wilderness areas. Stewart Udall’s remarkable story is brought to life with extensive still photography and archival footage, mixed with interviews of his children and many of the people who knew him best.
A close look at Danish idea of “cohousing” that offers its residents both privacy and community. We meet Charles Durrett, who brought cohousing to the US from Copenhagen and visit four communities he designed—in Davis, Nevada City, Grass Valley and Fair Oaks, California—and examine the benefits cohousing brings to the people who live there.
In Nevada City, the largest town of the California Gold Rush, hippies and rednecks come together to save their beautiful Yuba River from proposed power dams, and create a flourishing community united by their love for the arts, the environment and historical preservation, led by vibrant community organization.
Vacations matter - for productivity, happiness, family bonding and especially, health. Explore why Americans take less time off work, even when it’s proven to be good for us.
In this humorous monologue, ecological economist Dave Batker questions whether GDP is an adequate measure of society's well-being and suggests workable alternatives.
The amazing story behind Chief Joseph's "I will fight no more forever!" speech and a young soldier who became a champion of human rights and social justice after his experiences in the Nez Perce War.
Looks at the benefits of fair trade goods and product certification for people and the environment through case studies of the TransfairUSA and the Forest Stewardship Council. Filmed in Mexico, Canada, the US and Europe.
Looks at the obstacles facing working mothers and families and the employer and public policy changes needed to restore work-life balance.
Highlights promising attempts in Africa, and in South and Central America, to end world hunger.
Explores the history of potato blight and the chemicals used to control it, from the Irish potato famine to the present day, through the stories of two remarkable scientists. Filmed in Mexico, Peru, the US and Europe.
Meryl Streep tells the story of farmer, writer and photographer Michael Ableman and his model of community-supported agriculture in the midst of suburban sprawl.
The sequel to the PBS hit AFFLUENZA explores ways to live better with less — hosted by Wanda Urbanska.
AFFLUENZA is a groundbreaking film that diagnoses a serious social disease — caused by consumerism, commercialism and rampant materialism — that is having a devastating impact on our families, communities, and the environment.
The world's food supply may be seriously endangered by a dramatic decline in crop diversity. As high-yield hybrids replace traditional food crops worldwide, thousands of heirloom plant species have gone extinct, increasing the long-term possibility of famine. Filmed in Russia, Europe, Mexico and the US.
The moving story of a courageous young Japanese-American student who challenged the World War II relocation program and eventually won his case, upholding the American Constitution.
A stirring portrait of America's leading environmentalist, David Brower, who was instrumental in establishing some of America's most spectacular national parks, while heading the Sierra Club, establishing and directing Friends of the Earth, and later Earth Island Institute.
Travel writer Rick Steves narrates this story of the remarkable volunteers who created a wonderful 12 mile Rails to Trails project at Stevens Pass, Washington
Protecting habitat and contiguous areas of open space to save America's keystone predators--grizzlies, wolves, mountain lions, bobcats--while also protecting livestock and ranchers. A look at positive solutions.
National environmental policies in the Netherlands and New Zealand offer models for the rest of the world.
Indian tribal members of Washington State relate traditional Indian concerns about the environment. Specific concerns include depletion of salmon fisheries, clear cutting of forests, damming of rivers and streams, oil spills and toxic pollution of beaches and harbors.
In the mid-1990s a virulent strain of blight threatened potato crops all over the world. Two brilliant scientists--an old man and young woman--lead a search for solutions. Shot in the US, Mexico, Peru and the Netherlands.
Mayan refugees from the "dirty war" in Guatemala restore the ancient Mayan city of Edzna in the Yucatan, reclaiming their own heritage.
My other documentaries include:
IT’S UP TO US: THE GIRAFFE PROJECT, 1987
FULL CIRCLE, 1989
CASTRO'S CUBA: TWO VIEWS, 1990
DAVID BROWER: A CONVERSATION WITH SCOTT SIMON, 1996
THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE, 1997
A COMMON MAN’S COURAGE, 1977
LABOR’S TURNING POINT, 1981
SUBVERSIVE, 1982
DAIRY QUEENS, 1983
MOTHER OF THE YEAR, 1984
GOD AND MONEY, 1986
THANKS TO MY TEAMMATES!
Documentary filmmaking is not a solitary act and requires teamwork and different talents. I have been privileged to work with outstanding co-producers, including Karen Lehman, Ellen Anthony, David Arond, Cristopher Anderson, B.J. Bullert, Vivia Boe, Jack Hamann, Hana Jakoubkova, Laura Pacheco, Larry Cotton, Matt Simek, Carolyn Gates, Francine Strickwerda, Alan Stein, Jennifer Ekstrom and Kevin White, and with accomplished videographer/editors Jim Mulligan, Tom Speer, Diana Wilmar, David Fox, Greg Davis, Milt Ritter, Greg Bond, Chris Smart, Kevin Tomlinson and Mirko Popadic. Their work made me look good. I have also been honored to work with host/narrators Scott Simon, Meryl Streep and Mary Steenburgen, consummate professionals and great people too.