Alexis Yahre, senior mass communications major and filmmaker, wanted to spread awareness about Florida state parks’ environmental conservation.
Yahre, who grew up in Florida, said she has fond memories of her family visiting state parks as a child. Her sixth grade visit to Natures Classroom, an outdoor education program required by most middle school in Hillsborough County, set the stage for what would become her filmmaking passion.
As I grew older, it became apparent to me that we aren’t taking care. [environment]She said that we are not doing as well as we should. This was the moment I knew I wanted help to protect the things I love and stand behind a cause I truly believed in.
Yahre was able to meet with the principal of Natures Classroom, and she decided to join the National Future Farmers of America associate programme to learn more about Florida’s natural species and biodiversity.
Yahres award-winning documentary Natures Secrets, Florida State Parks, was shown at the Gasparilla Inter Film Festival (GIFF), Tampa on March 13. Her film has won numerous awards on the festival circuit including a nomination and win for Best Student Film at the Cannes World Film Festival.
The documentary’s contents take viewers on a journey to various parks in Florida, such Hillsborough River State Park or Homosassa Spring Wildlife State Park. They show off their wildlife and talk to the experts about their experiences.
She explained that I knew I wanted the documentary to be about parks because of how underutilized. There are many things in Tampa that deserve attention. There’s the Riverwalk, underground scenes, and food trucks, but you don’t hear the term state parks. They are all around us.
Yahre was initially worried that viewers would view her documentary as too political, since it discusses climate change.
She said that her passion for filmmaking authenticity and love of the environment helped her promote environmentalism as a noncontroversial topic.
She said that this film is about connecting people and making people feel love and respect for one another. I believe environmentalism shouldn’t be controversial, as we all share this planet. It is essential that we all live together and share this planet, so it makes sense to try to preserve it.
She is proud of how much support she has received considering the documentary was her debut professional film. Yahre said that her work would not have been possible without her father’s love.
Although Natures Classroom was the catalyst for her interest, Yahre says her passion for cinematography began when her father downloaded her first editing program on her computer at 11 years old.
Although she didn’t have a strong interest at the time in filmmaking, her father continued to try to teach Yahre basic editing techniques like green screening and basic cuts.
Yahre was able to understand the beauty and technicalities of filmmaking after she had mastered more complex techniques.
He has never failed me in his belief in me. He also knew what I needed long before I needed it. He was always one step ahead when I was younger and he helped me to become the best person I can be.
She added that it was important to ensure that Natures Secrets: Florida State Parks production was completed on time, as her father has a terminal disease.
In light of her father’s role in her passion for filmmaking she stated that she hopes the documentary will be an educational resource for its viewers and a testament to her appreciation for his support.
She said that she was concerned that he would not be able to see the final result of this film. He has always been a great supporter and helper with accessing necessary resources.
It was very special to me to share the process with him, and to show him the final viewing at film festival.
Dylan Walsh, Yahres boyfriend, accompanied her and her family to the GIFF. Walsh believes Yahres work is well-deserved due to the amount of time she’s spent over the past year documenting.
It’s inspiring to see her so motivated and inspired.
Being around her makes me more enthusiastic about the things I do in my life. And watching her achieve her goals makes them seem even more achievable.
Yahre has worked as a K-12 science educator in Hillsborough County Public Schools all her college career. She hopes to be able pursue a career in education and filmmaking after graduating.
She said that while she encourages people looking to visit Florida’s state parks, it is important to remember that climate change can pose a threat to education and environmental preservation in the future.
She said that I didn’t want to try and lecture people or change their minds about science while making a film like this. What I wanted to do was show people the beauty of nature and encourage people to consider what they could lose.