Outsiders Of The Year

Lo Phong La Kiatoukaysy also known by his trail name “Lil’ Buddha” has hiked over 48,000 miles since age 19. He attributes his motivation and drive to his Hmong lineage, a family of survivors who’ve historically persevered and celebrated their freedom since their removal from SouthEast Asia by the US military in 1976. Lo Phong’s story chronicles the journey of a refugee on a quest for freedom and a sense of home. Lo Phong finds redemption from generations of trauma through his relationship with the natural world, shared connection with others and his advocacy work for inclusion and diversity in the outdoors. Lo Phong is currently working with Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) to raise awareness and funds for STOP AAPI Hate. CAA’s mission includes fighting for systemic change by advocating for racial justice and to serve as the lead aggregator in critical data gathering to track and respond to the surge in violence and xenophobia.

9min

Tree cover in Los Angeles is crucial to keeping communities cool. The shade generated by a mature tree lowers the ground temperature below it, resulting in areas that are protected from LA’s blistering heat. This is vital, especially in the summer months when residents are exposed to high temperatures as they walk the city sidewalks. Unfortunately, all communities in LA are not equal when it comes to tree cover. Economically poorer neighborhoods in Los Angeles have far fewer trees than wealthier areas. These tend to be places where residents are less likely to own cars and thus spend more time on the sidewalks. This wasn’t by chance, discriminatory policies of the past lead to the disparity in tree cover. Now, under the leadership of Mayor Eric Garcetti, the city set in motion plans to plant 90,000 trees by the end of 2021. The goal is to cut the tree disparity in half by 2028. In doing so, they will create new jobs, a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing environment, safer sidewalks, and help to trap airborne carbon.

9min

This short film will center on the story of Tommy “Rivs” Puzey as told through the voice and recollections of his wife Steph Catudal. Tommy is a well established extreme runner, with a large following on social media, and a cancer recovery saga that has only turned up his voice. That amplifier was his wife, an equally passionate runner and storyteller who has been the chronicler of Tommy’s recovery. But his continuing journey back from the edge of the abyss, is only the most recent example of this couple’s unique give and take approach to their path through marriage, family and life. Few are more alone that the distance runner - for hours at a time, either training or competing. Mile after mile it is just the metronome of footfalls, and wandering thoughts that keep the pace with you. For two committed athletes like Tommy and Steph, life has been a balance of allowing each other to purse this solitary lifestyle, while remaining fiercely committed to their partnership. And while the latest leg of responsibility in this relay of life has fallen to Steph - it is in some ways, just anther day for the leaders of TEAMRIVS.

13min