Filmmakers

The last time we checked in with Boise filmmaker Matthew Podolsky in July, he said time was running out for the vaquita.

Filmmaker Warren Miller died on January 24, 2018, at age 93 at his home on an island in Puget Sound. He made his name in Sun Valley, Idaho, as the master-creator of ski films and as a pioneer of sports movie-making. 

Local filmmakers, who are making a movie about the plight of a critically endangered sea mammal, say there are now likely less than 25 of the animals left in the Gulf of California.

Boise filmmaker Matthew Podolsky started documenting the story of the small, dolphin-like vaquita over two years ago. Since he learned the animals were dying in gill nets he’s been telling their story in short films. He’s watched the number of remaining vaquita continue to drop each year.

Last June we told you the story of an Idaho man trying to save a tiny porpoise species in Mexico. Today we have an update to that story, and a new film that looks at vaquitas and their plight.

A new “commercial hybrid” film takes viewers on a visual journey of Idaho, covering hundreds of miles of landscape and history. “Destination Idaho” will be shown for free Tuesday night in Boise.

Idaho filmmaker Karen Day says her 65 minute travelogue took her all over the state, from Boise to Wallace to Priest Lake.

She funded the film with public and private partners, from Shore Lodge to the National Park Service, to the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau. Her plan was to use history and visuals to inspire people to visit the Gem State.

Ross Partridge says above all else, aspiring filmmakers need to be extremely passionate about what they’re doing. Partridge is an actor, director and writer in Hollywood – and is hosting a screenwriters workshop at Boise State University Friday. He says one also has to be able to shut out the naysayers, and trust your instincts when it comes to storytelling.

Will von Tagen grew up in Boise, so it's not totally surprising that the 27-year-old would set his first feature film – called "Almosting It" – in the town. Boise moviegoers will get the first chance to see the film Wednesday at the Egyptian Theater.

The fourth annual Sun Valley Film Festival begins Wednesday. The five-day event will show off some Hollywood names, including giving a special honor to actor Clint Eastwood. Other big screen elites will make appearances, including actor Bruce Dern and two Academy Award winning screenwriters.

At 21-years-old, Boise artist Jake Fullilove has already started his own business. Imperium Cinema opened its doors in Boise earlier this year. It’s a film equipment rental company boasting some of the most advanced stuff in the industry.

Fullilove seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of all the lenses, lights, microphones, cameras and cables in his office. The young entrepreneur says he started Imperium to be a resource for Idaho filmmakers.

There’s something breathtaking about watching a real-life cowboy ride his horse through this green pasture near McCall, Idaho.

This Roy Rogers – not the 50’s era icon – is Alan Heathcock’s version of the star. The actor pulls the reigns gently, swings to the ground, and saunters over to a young man leaning half-dazed against an aspen tree.  

"Hey, Vernon," he says.

"Hey Roy. She's a hot one, ain't she?" asks the young man.

"It's hotter than a bull's breath out here."