Filmmaker Feature: Shane Anderson

Who are you?

  • My name is Shane Anderson; I live and grew up in Olympia, Washington. I originally got involved in film when I was a professional skier through ski movies, and after my ski career ended from multiple injuries, I found myself in Los Angeles working in the film industry. I eventually was inspired by documentary film through my friend Daryl Hannah and her activist work where I cut my teeth doing some editing and shooting with her. I saw the power of film to create positive change in the world while truly enjoying the craft and the never-ending ability to grow and learn through the film medium.

How many films have you had in the festival? 

  • I have had 5 films featured at Wild and Scenic

When was your first Wild & Scenic?

  • My first Wild and Scenic was in 2014 for the debut of my first feature documentary “Wild Reverence

How many times have you attended?

  • I have attended all 5 festivals

What is your favorite Wild & Scenic memory?

  • Screening my first film “Wild Reverence” in the Historic Nevada Theatre was pretty special

What makes Wild & Scenic Film Festival special or unique?

  • I love the great sense of community surrounding the festival, the great curation of films and gathering with other fellow filmmakers to get inspired for future projects and future collaborations. I have been fortunate to meet so many great people over the years at Wild and Scenic.

What inspires you to make films?

  • The mission to tell important stories that could lead to positive change, the never ending creativity and the constant learning curve on both filmmaking as a craft and the subjects and topics we focus on.

What are your favorite stories to tell?

  • I love to tell stories about the wonders of the natural world and the socio-environmental issues.

Do you have any projects you are currently working on?

  • I always have several projects I’m working on including a multi-year project on the Klamath Dam Removals in California.

How has COVID impacted your filmmaking?

  • I have been fortunate to have been able to have a very productive summer although Covid has definitely made filming with people and traveling a challenge as well as fundraising has gotten more difficult this past year. That being said with so many people at home I think producing content is more important than ever right now to reach a captive audience.

What is on the horizon for you in 2021?

  • I will continue to work on the Klamath project as well as launching some new endeavors and partnerships.