Matt Ritenour

A Walk Through Time: The Story of Anderson Marsh (2015)
Film (Documentary, Short and History) Camera and Electrical Department With its majestic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a history spanning 14,000 years, Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is one of the most unique places in all of California. It is also the home of the Koi people who were the first humans to colonize the area and who are still there to this day. Their deep cultural heritage prompted the extraordinary events that led to the park's creation and reinforces the current struggles to protect the amazing resources that the park holds. Written by Steidl, Leslie and Bruns, Dan

Impact of the Frolic: A Shipwreck That Transcended the World (2014)
Film (Documentary, Short and Adventure) Cinematographer In the summer of 1984, archaeologist Thomas Layton unearthed some unexpected Chinese artifacts at a Native American site in Mendocino County. Driven to discover their origins, Dr. Layton set out on a quest to solve the riddle of the mysterious potsherds. What he eventually uncovered was a story of vast cultural connections and a shipwreck that impacted California forever. Written by Daniel Bruns

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (2013)
Film (Documentary and Short) Camera and Electrical Department The voices of Native Americans, academics, and community members are woven together to create a dynamic conversation about native resources, environmental stewardship, the connection between Tribal members, their land, their history, and their culture, as well as the challenges faced by those who wish to practice traditional ecological knowledge today. The poignant dialogue coupled with stunning cinematography creates a film that is both thought-provoking and beautiful. In an effort to provide a model for future stewardship endeavors and encourage collaboration with indigenous communities we proudly present, Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Written by Glasier-Lawson, Maija

Torn: Saving California's Sacred Past (2013)
Film (Documentary, Short, Crime and History) Camera and Electrical Department For thousands of years stunning petroglyphs on the volcanic tablelands near Bishop, California shimmered in the starlight, but then a menace struck. Looters with rock saws and chisels destroyed this ancient site leaving everyone with one question...why? Written by Martin, Jake

Treading Water (2013)
Film (Documentary, Biography, History and News) Cinematographer Facing an uncertain future, a community confronts its reflection in the mirror of water scarcity. In the new normal of what once was the California dream, activists, commercial fisherman, farmers, local politicians and others share their anxieties and reveal their values in an effort to find common cause, if not always common ground. Written by Jesse Dizard