Follow three South Florida students on an expedition to discover their own backyard in Hidden Wild, a new film released by NRS.
The Story in a Nutshell
Behind the homes and freeways of suburban Palm Beach County, an incredible network of swamps, scrub, and waterways lies waiting to be discovered. Hidden Wild, a 26-minute film by Day’s Edge Productions and written by David Hutchinson, follows science educator Alex Freeze as she leads three South Florida students on an expedition through the wilderness hidden in their own backyards. Join Noah, Kiana, and Kourtez as they paddle down the Wild & Scenic Loxahatchee River, wade through ancient cypress swamps, and witness the life-giving power of fire in Florida scrub. It’s a tough journey, filled with mosquito bites and sore feet, but along the way these students discover both themselves and a passion for Florida’s wildlands.
“Walking through a Florida swamp is like walking back in time. …People can go their whole lives living five miles from the Everglades, never having been there,” says ringleader Freeze. “You might know Florida for its beaches, resorts and golf courses, but behind the stereotypes is a hidden Florida.
“People love to create barriers and divide the world into little categories, but that’s not how nature works. In Florida, water ties everything together,” Freeze adds. “Traveling these wild waterways under your own power makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, but we certainly weren’t the first people to understand the connections in this landscape.”
Watch Here:
nbsp;Quotes from the Students on their Journey
“Walk in there and stay in there five days and you’re gonna come out a new person.” – Kourtez, student
“This is literally in my own backyard and I’ve never been educated on things like this.” – Kiana, student “I did like the feeling of being in the river with those alligators. It’s a little Jurassic Park-y out there. You think a dinosaur might actually get you, you know?” – Noah, student
DIRECTOR BIOS:
Neil Losin & Nate Dappen Neil Losin, Ph.D. & Nate Dappen, Ph.D. are both biologists, photographers, and filmmakers. In 2010, they co-founded Day’s Edge Productions, an award-winning media company dedicated to telling captivating true stories about science, natural history, conservation, and adventure. They work with broadcasters, NGOs, scientists, universities, and brands to create media with breathtaking visuals, compelling characters, and vital messages. Their recent films have been supported by PBS, National Geographic, CNN, The Atlantic, Smithsonian Channel, World Wildlife Fund, National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and many others. When they aren’t producing their own films, Neil and Nate train other scientists and creatives on how to tell better science and conservation stories. You can see more of their films at www.daysedge.com.