Katie Bryden | Cause-Based Conservation Filmmaker’ | St. Petersburg, Florida
Katie Bryden defines herself as a ‘cause-based conservation filmmaker’. She believes that conservation has an ugly history of marginalising and evicting the indigenous peoples and local communities living in ecosystems designated for protection, that why her work focuses on her commitment to tell conservation stories that respect indigenous and local community rights and voices, and human rights more broadly. She hopes to use her work to inspire an equitable and prosperous future in harmony with nature while maintaining healthy and sustainable ecosystems, for everyone.
What is a typical day like for you?
My typical day is either out in the field filming or at my desk editing. My film work takes me all over Florida (and sometimes abroad), in hopes to educate and inspire people to take action on the most pressing conservation, science and environmental-related issues of our time.
When did you first start documenting your ocean story?
My first ocean conservation story took me to the Lau Islands in Fiji. I was working for Conservation International as a Producer/Editor and had applied to internal funding for critical communications projects. I was the sole storyteller on board the research vessel for the Lau Seascape Marine Rapid Assessment Program Expedition. Over ten days at sea, we traversed hundreds of miles with two cyclones ripping through the region. My film on the Lau Seascape, which played at the UN Oceans Conference, led to an official commitment from the Fijian government to protect the area. Without my work in capturing the discoveries during the expedition, there would have been no documentation or communication materials to present to the government. I’m very proud to say that my storytelling work has provided greater understanding of the geography, the remoteness and the unique biodiversity of the Lau Seascape to Fiji government stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs) and to Conservation International’s external partners. Conservation International Fiji received a small grant issued from the US Embassy in Suva for work in the Lau Seascape and new partners were developed (Loving Islands and Vatuvara Foundation) since publishing the video and communications materials. In addition, the Fijian language version of the film is now being played by community members in their villages to spread the important message of ocean protection
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
As a kid, I loved when we would visit my uncle at the Jersey shore. I loved spending time at the beach, but I was terrified of the ocean. I had a near drowning experience at the age of five, and it wasn’t until I was coerced into going in the ocean during my teen years that my feelings began to change. Soon enough I was focusing my college career on visual storytelling related to the ocean, and I found myself at sea traveling from the Galapagos to California for six weeks. My time at sea was life changing. I had the unique opportunity to operate underwater cameras that were thousands of meters below me, exploring the ocean floor. The underwater landscapes and magnificent creatures that I saw left me in awe everyday. The ocean is so closely tied to our livelihoods; yet, there is still so much unknown. We need to preserve and protect our oceans before it’s too late and before those special, undiscovered underwater habitats are destroyed. I believe marine conservation is so essential because of the ocean’s salubrious powers. The ocean regulates our climate, it feeds us, it gives us oxygen and without it – we simply cannot exist.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I studied at American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking. During my time at school, I was lucky enough to have a variety of internships with nonprofits, government agencies, independent photographers, and production companies. I graduated with intentionality for what I wanted to do, and with such a broad skillset in knowing how to communicate effectively for a variety of audiences. This really helped push me forward in my career and secure a full-time position with Conservation International's Visual Storytelling Team after graduation.
What do you value most in life?
I value nature, community, and family. My life's vision is to use storytelling to effectuate environmental change and praise conservation successes while staying true to my values by living a low-waste, sustainable lifestyle and doing whatever I can to uplift the stories of women and local/indigenous peoples.
What brings you the most joy?
Being outside, feeling the sun on my skin, swimming in water, sitting under a tree – nature is what gives me joy.
Who/what currently inspires you?
Everytime I get to travel and share stories of conservation, I feel so reinvigorated to do more. There are so many stories to be shared, to be recognized. So many voices of empowerment and leadership. My only hope is that by sharing these stories that they create a positive impact and move the needle closer to creating an inclusive and sustainable planet.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
My dream is for a future of gender equality. The implications of not providing women and girls with equal voices, choices, and opportunities affect not just their lives, but the future of our planet. Beyoncé may have been a bit misinformed when she suggested that women run the world. But, I believe, they’ll undoubtedly be the ones to save it.
Photo Credit: Carlton Ward Jr.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
When I was 17, I remember watching the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car? And I couldn’t believe that the government would betray the long-term interests of the American people in order to cater to the short-term profitability of big corporations. I now understand how laughable and ignorant that thought was. This was really the moment when I decided to become an environmental filmmaker. I realized that if I really wanted to help protect the planet, people and wildlife, I needed to connect my interest in environmental science with the power of storytelling. Facts don’t always change minds but stories can.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want to be remembered as someone who brings joy to a room, someone who has an infectious laugh, someone who lives for adventure, someone with strong morals and values, someone who cherishes their family and friends, and someone who uplifts the voices of women all around the world and brings deeper public understanding to the complexities of gender and conservation, the ocean, environmental justice, and climate change.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Being an ocean storyteller requires a constant curiosity. Whether it's researching a story, interviewing potential characters, experimenting with the latest gear, testing our new marketing tools, or exploring a new camera style, I’ve found that I’m always trying to learn as much as possible and question the status quo. My best piece of advice is to do the same! Explore new topics – you never know what might pique your interest – teach yourself new skills or techniques and share this knowledge with others. It’s important to uplift those who might be where you were yesterday. Find mentors and a community that gives you critical feedback on your work. If you’re not succeeding at first, stay patient and persistent. And don't forget to believe in yourself! You are always much more capable and resilient than you think!
WEBSITE: www.katiebryden.com
INSTAGRAM: @ktbryden
