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Maggie Burnette Stogner
Executive Director
Maggie Burnette Stogner is the Executive Director of the Center for Environmental Filmmaking (www.environmentalfilm.org) and a professor of Film and Media Arts. She brings over 30 years of filmmaking …
Leena Jayaswal is a documentary filmmaker, award-winning photographer and Professor in the School of Communication at American University in Washington DC, where she is the director of the Photography…
With nearly 40 years of teaching and filmmaking, and 250 projects, his documentaries appear on PBS, the Discovery Channels, and National Geographic, among many other outlets. Awards include a Daytime …
Sarah Menke-Fish is a full-time professor of Film and Media Arts. She is a master teacher in the School of Communication. She serves as associate director for the Center for Environmental Filmmaking, …
Aditi is a digital storyteller skilled in producing, editing, and shooting documentaries. She has worked for clients such as The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Prince Charitable Trusts, the National Park Service, and Blue Bear Films. Aditi holds an MFA in Film and Electronic Media from AU and a BA in Psychology from Smith College. She is honored to share stories about passionate people working to manage and protect wilderness and wildlife for future generations.
Devan Ogburn is a senior at AU majoring in the School of International Service with a concentration in Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution, with a minor in African American and African Diaspora Studies. Devan serves as an Ambassador for both the AU Admissions office and the AU Abroad Buddy Program, and is a mentor for the Sister Sister AU organization. She has had a passion for environmental protection and literacy amongst youth since high school, is on the board of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and works in her community and at AU to provide a healthier environment for generations to come.
CEF director Maggie Burnette Stogner (center) with 2018/2019 Graduate Assistants (L to R): Nick Tucker is a filmmaker, photographer, conservationist and critter fanatic. Ipsa Mishra is a lover of animals and nature. Hyatt Mamoun is passionate about all wildlife from mustangs in the West to bottlenose dolphins in the Atlantic. Beth Ebisch is passionate about outdoor activities and is an environmental science enthusiast.
Crystal's thesis documentary will explore climate-induced polar/grizzly bear hybridization in the Canadian Arctic. Working alongside biologists and local guides, this film sets out to examine this rare, yet growing phenomenon, and what is means for the future of polar bears.
Robert's producing a short documentary about the abundant microbial growth, flourishing in kitchens and bathrooms, due to water wastefulness. His film, Table to Toilet: Fueling a Microbial Bonfire, will hold a microscopic mirror up to viewers, showing them the immediate, and close to home effects, of their wasteful water usage.
Sirjaut is producing a short documentary on the depleting water resources in Punjab, India, where the farmers are struggling to maintain the ecosystem that once was. Covering only a small fraction of the country's land, Punjab provides India with majority of their wheat and rice. This film will delve deep into historical eco-friendly farming practices and explore options for future water conservation.
Elizabeth's film follows the story of artist Toni Lance who is known as "the bird lady" on the island of St. Croix. She is a strong and committed person and she's really carved out her niche on the island, but the responsibilities and overwhelming nature of caring for such fragile, wild creatures is wearing on her. The looming thought of who will do this when she can't lingers.
Gaby's producing a film about a small community in Montana uniting to oppose two proposed gold mines located at the doorsteps of Yellowstone National Park. The film will discuss the intrinsic and economic value of the Paradise Valley's land, water, and wildlife that attract millions of visitors each year.
Ashley's producing a short documentary about the climate refugees of Louisiana's bayou. An area still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Katrina more than 10 years later caused alarming displacement of the coastal region. The documentary will examine how these refugees have adapted to the natural and manmade threats to their environment.
Amelia's film Alabama Water Wars investigates the forces preventing an Alabama state-wide water management plan from being implemented and the women behind the efforts to put one in place. Though the work to put a plan in place is gaining traction, the question remains: will the stakeholders and interests groups be able to come together in time to save the vast and beautiful waterways of Alabama?
Kent is making a film about deforestation in Borneo. It examines the loss and exploitation of the island's natural resources through the eyes of the indigenous Dayak people who have inhabited the rainforests of Borneo for thousands of years. It includes commentary with ecologists, activists, and Dayak elders. The shooting is complete and the film is currently being edited.