My favorite part of Southern Exposure was meeting so many amazing people. I had a lot of fun making my film and traveling to some of the many beautiful areas of Alabama. I love what Southern Exposure represents and was honored to be a part of it!
—Mindy Keeley, 2014 Fellow
Having the chance to explore Alabama's natural landscapes, the mentorship and peer-critique process within a diverse group of filmmakers, and the networking opportunities the process brought with it gave me such a positive experience with a group of peers whose friendship and work I truly value.
—Rhonda Chan Soo, 2013 Fellow
Southern Exposure was an amazing experience – learning about the pressures on the environment, being embraced by Alabama's community of environmental advocates, soaking in beautiful natural treasures, spending a summer with a talented group of filmmakers – I couldn't recommend it more.
—Emily Fraser, 2013 Fellow
They made it really easy for us to fall in love with Alabama, especially as first timers. I think they also made it really easy for us to become concerned about this beautiful place because they opened our eyes to a very diverse range of pressing environmental needs here.
—Liza Slutskaya, 2016 Fellow and 2018-19 Program Coordinator
My experience in Alabama in 2014 had a profound impact on me as a filmmaker, but more importantly I linked up with a great posse of friends and collaborators.
—Chris Jones, 2014 Fellow
Through the personalized mentorship and support provided throughout the fellowship, I truly grew as a filmmaker, producer and storyteller, and was able to explore the beauty of Alabama. The fellowship definitely provided the steppingstones to my current career path as a video producer.
—Kaitlin McMurry, 2018 Fellow
Run by an amazing group of experienced filmmakers & passionate advocates, it's impossible to leave this program without an impressive film for your portfolio and meaningful connections to those fighting for important issues across Alabama. I wish I could be a part of this fellowship every summer!
—Celine Francois, 2021 Fellow
I truly believe that Southern Exposure is a MUST for young, southern documentary filmmakers with interests in the realm of Social and Environmental Justice. Not often do you get an opportunity like this in the South, especially one of such value and importance.
—Jeb Brackner, 2019 Fellow
This opportunity allowed me to grow as a professional in the world of environmental filmmaking & gave me skills + insights on how I can use film & media to be a powerful advocate of the natural world. I gained a better appreciation for the culture, people & nature of the beautiful state of Alabama!
—David Diaz, 2018 Fellow
Hiram Rogers is an Alabama native who graduated from Duke University in 2007 with a degree in Documentary Studies. Currently working as researcher and instructor at the Duke University Center for Documentary Studies, Hiram is passionate about using film and large-format photography as a tool for social justice and activism. Although Hiram works in North Carolina, much of his personal film and photography production is focused on Alabama.
Originally from Fairfax Station, Virginia, Jessica Pic received her MFA in Documentary Filmmaking at Wake Forest University in 2013. After graduating from the College of William and Mary with a BA in Public Policy and History, she joined the Peace Corps and taught at a rural school in Mongolia. During her Peace Corps experience, Jessica was responsible for developing the curriculum and training the teachers, which taught her how to communicate across cultural and language barriers.
Ingrid Pfau is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and received an MFA in Natural Science Filmmaking at Montana State University. A graduate of the UAB University Honors Program with a degree in Environmental Science Filmmaking, Ingrid secured the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Arts Award, which provides support for 15 up-and-coming American art students in their graduate study.
Rebecca Marston received a degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Media Studies in the UAB University Honors Program in 2013, and is interested in creating films about science and the environment.
A native of Mill Valley, California, Katie Jewett graduated from Stanford University in 2012 with a degree in Human Biology, where she developed a unique concentration in marine policy and communication. Her senior thesis film examined the impact of new fishing regulations on local fishermen and represents Katie’s passion to explore human interactions with the natural environment. After graduation, Katie worked on Puget Sound as an environmental educator and deck-hand on board the historic schooner Adventuress, where she focused on presenting marine conservation efforts to a wide range of audiences.
Spenser Gabin received his BS in Film at Northwestern University in 2013, where he was awarded the Excellence in Cinematography award. Originally from Yardley, Pennsylvania, Spenser studied filmmaking in Prague at the Film and Television Academy of Performing Arts, and his experience includes production work in New York City and Philadelphia.
Mike Agnew double-majored in History and Filmmaking at Chapman University in Los Angeles, California, and received his BA in 2013. During his time as a fellow, Mike served as a media intern at Orange County Coastkeeper, where he produced short films about the preservation of beaches and wetlands.