Bears Ears’ Battle for Preservation

In Utah lies Bears Ears, a region of profound beauty, ancient history, and a current battle for conservation. The documentary film “Bears Ears: Echoes of Time,” directed and produced by Daniel Richardson, takes audiences on a visually stunning journey through this diverse landscape, capturing the essence of a place where nature, culture, and controversy intertwine.

The roots of this project date back 11 years when Richardson stumbled upon a troubling article about modern-day grave robbing in Bears Ears. At that time, the region was not yet a monument, and pueblo sites faced desecration by artifact collectors. Over the years, Bears Ears gained protected status, had it revoked, and then reinstated. Richardson, along with producer Andrew Scaduto, embarked on multiple visits to Bears Ears, immersing themselves in its landscapes, communities, and the complexities surrounding its monument status.

“Our goal with this film is to show people, instead of telling them, why they should appreciate and protect Bears Ears,” explains Richardson. “A simple, beautiful, visual journey through this wonderfully diverse area of Utah – a story told over a single day.”

For Richardson and Scaduto, the pre-production phase was a highlight of the project. Starting with a blank slate and a vast, diverse region like Bears Ears was a dream come true. Extensive research determined specific locations to capture, guided by the principle of “Visiting with Respect” to preserve the natural and archaeological wonders. Exploring the landscapes and capturing them on film was the real highlight, as Bears Ears revealed spectacular sandstone deserts, ancient ruins, juniper forests, and starry-night skies.

Making a movie isn’t easy. The remote nature of the region, with dirt roads and less-maintained trails, tested the limits of the filmmakers’ resources. Yet, the difficulties were outweighed by the rewards. Creating a landscape film demanded patience with mother nature, battling elements, waiting for optimal conditions, and adapting to unexpected weather patterns, from snow in March to extreme heat in the summer.

Looking back, Richardson acknowledges that more time for principal photography would have been beneficial – more chances for optimal lighting, weather conditions, and reaching remote sites. Yet, he emphasizes the unpredictable nature of filmmaking, where hindsight is a luxury.

For those aspiring to enter the production space, Richardson offers valuable advice: “Patience. Patience for your first gig, that big break, for crafting the perfect shot, for figuring out your final edit.” He emphasizes the challenges of starting in the industry but highlights the unparalleled joy of seeing your creation on the big screen. Additionally, he encourages never-ending creativity, especially in a world where cameras are ubiquitous.

Long Trek Productions, Richardson and Scaduto’s film company, is devoted to conservation-based films. Richardson invites audiences to explore their next endeavor at BigTreesFilm.com, focusing on the incredible giant sequoia trees of the Sierra Nevada.

As “Bears Ears: Echoes of Time” is an official selection at the Utah International Film Festival audiences can catch the film at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT.