“To Love a River” showcases the stories of people inspired by their love of the Gila River, and of a summer camp initiative that connects young people with the wilderness. Directed by Samantha Jaso, Nidia Jimenez and Jackson Markman, with sound design by Iliana Aragon.

The Gila Film School was a firstofitskind documentary filmmaking program at New Mexico State University, offered in collaboration with the Forest Service, with the objective of creating a showcase of short films for the Centennial Celebration of the Gila Wilderness. Thirteen students from diverse backgrounds took part in the immersive 3semester program. In July 2022, the group spent twelve days in the Gila, making seven short documentaries about people living and working in the Gila Wilderness. The films reflect the unique natural, cultural and conservation history of the Gila, including Indigenous and Latino history. Through compelling humaninterest stories, they explore the relationship between people and their natural environment, and the importance of protecting wilderness.

Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gila/l...