In hopes of sharing occasional updates on documentary projects at a slower pace than social media, I’ve started this little newsletter which I intend to send out just a few times a year. (But if even that feels like too much, feel free to unsubscribe).

The past year has been very busy and exciting, and 2023 is already looking to be the same. I wanted to share some updates on projects I’ve worked on recently, and a few in the works!

FIRE OF LOVE is shortlisted for an Oscar!

Sara Dosa’s FIRE OF LOVE, which I had the privilege of associate producing, had an incredible year which was capped off with being shortlisted for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. 

I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Sara again, and to collaborate with Sandbox Films, National Geographic Films, NEON, producers Shane Boris & Ina Fichman, editors Erin Casper & Jocelyne Chaput, animator Lucy Munger, narrator Miranda July, and the whole team behind the film.

You can watch the film via Disney+ worldwide. And if you’re in New York, you can still catch it on the big screen at MoMA as part of the Contenders series on Saturday, Jan 7th at 2pm!

KING COAL is premiering at Sundance!

Elaine Sheldon’s KING COAL, which I associate produced, will have its world premiere in the NEXT section at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, which takes place January 19-29, with screenings in-person and online.

KING COAL uses a hybrid approach to tell a story of the profound influence of coal on Appalachia’s identity, while also considering what future stories might look like out of the shadow of coal. It’s been such an honor to work with Elaine Sheldon, producers Shane Boris, Diane Becker, and Peggy Drexler and the whole team, and I’m looking forward to sharing this beautiful film with you all very soon!

It was also an exciting year for the films in-progress that I’m producing!

HUMBOLDT USA pitched in Czech Republic, Germany and New York City

In G. Anthony Svatek’s film HUMBOLDT USA, environmental struggles in three places named after queer naturalist Alexander von Humboldt interweave in this exploration of American nature, amidst technological alienation and climate collapse.

This past year, we had the privilege of pitching HUMBOLDT USA at AFO Camp 4Science in Czech Republic, DOK.Forum in Munich, Germany and The Gotham Week Project Market in NYC. These were all incredible opportunities to develop the creative vision, and connect with industry representatives from all over the world.

BARBARA HAMMER PROJECT at DOC NYC Industry Roundtables

Brydie O’Connor’s new film is an exclusive look at the life, work, and legacy of pioneering lesbian experimental filmmaker Barbara Hammer, tracing her story through her prolific canon alongside never-before-seen films, photos, audio recordings and writings.

The film expands on director O’Connor’s recent short film LOVE, BARBARA. We pitched the feature film this fall at DOC NYC Industry Roundtables, and are excited for everything the new year has to bring for the film.

THE GOSSAMER THREAD awarded Science New Wave prize

Sean Hanley’s film THE GOSSAMER THREAD traces the DNA of orb-weaving spiders across the United States on a transgenic journey, exploring the scientific quest to bioengineer the world’s strongest material from spider silk.

This fall, the film received the inaugural Science New Wave award from Imagine Science Films & Warner Media 150, and we had the opportunity to present a work-in-progress at the15th Annual Imagine Science Film Festival alongside the other award recipients.

We’re looking forward to continuing to follow the spider’s journey in 2023!

Thanks for reading! Hope you are healthy and happy and that your year is off to a great start.

All the best,
Elijah Stevens