Spruce Tone

15/10/2024

03/10/2024

We are so thrilled to share a work-in-progress teaser for our newest short doc currently in production, Cabras y Chivas (working title), which is an official recipient of a Berkeley FILM Foundation grant! Every summer, California’s hills are dotted with herds of goats grazing to protect communities against wildfire. Told through the women and men who shepherd them, this is a story about solutions for a warming world and the intricate web of relationships that inform them - amongst family, cultures and landscapes.

Over the past year Directors Palmer Morse and Nick Stone Schearer alongside Producer & Translator Catalina Luna have been working diligently to tell the story of Bianca Soares and her mother Andreé, fourth generation Basque ranchers from the Central Valley, who are actively raising and deploying several thousand goats across Northern California to aid in wildfire fuel reduction.

None of this would be possible without the work that seemingly few Americans want to do - long days managing animals under the summer sun. But to Nestor, Ronny and their fellow herders from Peru employed by Star Creek Land Stewards Inc. , it presents an opportunity they don’t otherwise feel they have. And it’s work they know well, that’s deeply embedded in their own culture. Across seasons and landscapes, they navigate a journey far from home.

Looking forward to sharing more over the next few months as we get this film to the finish line! Do you know someone we should chat with about this project? Interested in how you can personally support? Please get in touch!

Learn more: sprucetone.com/cabras-y-chivas

28/05/2024

Lightbeam and Spruce Tone are thrilled to premiere our latest documentary at the San Francisco Documentary Film Festival (San Francisco IndieFest) on June 2nd at The Roxie! 🎉

"Let Them Play" follows youth baseball player Adrian Garcia as he overcomes the enduring effects of bullying from teammates with the support of his coach, Ken Bradley. Told from the perspectives of the coach, player, and parent, this heartfelt short documentary explores the transformative impact of positive coaching on children's lives both on and off the field.

Director Palmer Morse, DP Lawrence Rickford, Exec. Producer Dave Stevens and the entire cast of this moving short doc will be in attendance for a post screening Q&A! Hope to see you there!

Tickets and screening info: https://sfdocfest2024.eventive.org/films/66209a2cc7b9220063311d56

20/04/2024

A big Happy Birthday to Spruce Tone co-founder 🎉🎉

So many of our films and stories come to life because of Matt’s commitment to generosity, kindness, and commitment to craft. Most often found recording those sweet sweet nature sounds or muchin’ on a pb&j, he’s truly one of a kind!

26/03/2024

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19/03/2024

For Anjelica Avella and the community of plus size women of color she created, the San Gabriel National Monument is a source of reprieve, joy and connection.

Join us, Anjelica, The Wilderness Society, elected officials, community leaders and residents of Greater Los Angeles in calling on President Biden to add 109,000 acres of public lands to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument! Sign the petition now: sangabrielmountainsforever.org/takeaction

The proposed expansion area is considered the “gateway” to the Angeles National Forest and as a result is one of the most visited parts of the forest. Over 18 million people live within a 90-mile radius of these public lands and the expansion will help increase equitable access to nature and improve public health.

The San Gabriel Mountains are an interconnected landscape and a refuge for native wildlife. The proposed expansion area would safeguard wildlife corridors and habitat for species such as black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and mule deer.

This land holds a rich and diverse cultural heritage and the stories of the original stewards of these lands, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and Gabrieleño (also known as Kizh, Gabrielino, Tongva) Peoples are part of this sacred place.

15/03/2024

Forward is No Man's Land Film Festival's People’s Choice! We’re so thrilled Anjelica Avella was there to accept the award in person and creating meaningful connections. Thank you NMLFF for this honor and creating and hosting a space for these stories!

Watch Forward presented by Smartwool and Osprey Packs now: vimeo.com/sprucetone/forward

“While navigating a myriad of life challenges, Anjelica Avella turned to the outdoors to improve her mental health only to discover a noticeable lack of other plus-size women of color on trail. By posting a simple flyer looking for more women to hike with, Anjelica created a community she never could have imagined.”

08/03/2024

✨ New film alert! Watch now: vimeo.com/sprucetone/forward ✨

While navigating a myriad of life challenges, Anjelica Avella turned to the outdoors to improve her mental health only to discover a noticeable lack of other plus-size women of color on trail. By posting a simple flyer looking for more women to hike with, Anjelica created a community she never could have imagined.

This International Women's Day, Smartwool and Osprey Packs are thrilled to present Forward, a new short documentary sharing the life and perspective of plus-size hiker Anjelica Avella produced by Spruce Tone.

English CC, Spanish subtitles, and English Audio Description are available.

05/03/2024

In the waters off the remote island of Iluulux̂ or so called Unalaska, Alaska, toxic algal blooms are increasingly infecting filter feeding shellfish with unknown causation. After a community member died from eating blue mussels, a staple cultural food, Unangax̂ scientist Shayla began working with her tribe to research and understand the harmful blooms and what can hopefully be done about them. Illuminating the profound connection between the Unangax̂ people and their environment, Usugilix Awakun showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of a culture in the face of unprecedented challenges.

We're so thrilled to share "Usugilix Awakun" the first in a series of films our team is producing for First Nations Development Institute highlighting some of their recent grantees!

Watch the full film now: vimeo.com/sprucetone/usugilixawakun

Learn More: sprucetone.com/usugilix-awakun

20/02/2024

Very fun to sit down and discuss our newest short doc Usugilix Awakun with our friends at First Nations Development Institute and Wild & Scenic Film Festival!

20/02/2024

So fun to sit down and chat about our newest short doc, Forward, with Anjelica Avella, Palmer Morse and some fine folks at Wild & Scenic Film Festival!

20/02/2024

Thank you Wild & Scenic Film Festival for another year of inspiring films, engaging conversation, and for bringing members of our team and film participants together! ✨🌿

22/12/2023

So much good news this week! Excited to share Forward, present by Smartwool and Osprey Packs has been given the MacGillivray Freemen Environmental Filmmaker Award from Coast Film Festival! 🏆

Congrats Anjelica Avella and to our team! 💪🏻🙌🏻

Learn more about the upcoming film: sprucetone.com/forward

19/12/2023

Another feather in the cap for Elevated! Thank you Mendi Film Festival for honoring our film with this recognition. So proud of our team and amazed that nearly two years after its premiere Sonya’s story continues to make waves.

“Effective communication is a challenge every climber faces. It’s a sport that requires intense focus, dedication, and overcoming fear. For Deaf climber Sonya Wilson, communication and community is of vital importance. Elevated is a non-verbal film sharing Sonya’s experience as a Deaf woman and outdoor advocate working to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the outdoor industry, one crag at a time.”

Watch the full film: https://vimeo.com/710437792

🤟🏻🏆✨