We recently connected with Sammy Hunter and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sammy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

the most meaningful projects are the truthful ones—those that come from the heart. mission-based passion projects that awaken the soul, often created with beloved friends and collaborators, and hold a special place in my heart. I particularly love pouring my passion into my series “women of the herbs” and “a free hand.”

women of the herbs is a multi-generational, multi-cultural series that weaves together the stories of women from different regions who share a profound connection with nature. through their journeys, the series explores themes of creation, transformation, healing, and the eternal cycles of life and death.

a freehand is a series of reflections from creators of all sorts. I echo every-day heroes: artists, storytellers, originators, seekers. each of us sacred contributors, whose passions fuel our community and to be able to witness it all is truly a gift.

I also cherish my expedition passages. I primarily shoot analog motion film—super 8, 16mm, and 35mm—so I hold all my travel analog footage very dear to me. I like to explore primitively and immersively, documenting sacred moments of wonder and discovery that make me feel incredibly alive and grateful. these journeys abroad provide profound downloads and clarifications, allowing me to create deep personal reflections of self within such foreign surroundings.

I started telling stories through documentaries. my first documentary, A is for Armed addresses the recent Concealed Carry on Campus bill in Florida, and the school shooting at the FSU main library November 2014. The film is meant to engage a conversation about the root issues of mass shootings, the NRA and whether or not gun-carrying students make campuses safer. We filmed and interviewed victims of the FSU shooting, police officers on the scene, college psychiatrists, state representatives and Florida Senator, Jeff Clemens, as well as the former president of the NRA, Marion Hammer.

My second documentary, Bear Down brings attention to the controversial 2015 Bear Hunt in Florida.

My most current project is working as a Visiting Researcher at the International Center of Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) where I filmed a documentary on the preliminary impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and the adaptation practices and methods of the resilient, innovative, and resourceful people of Bangladesh, who deal with climate change adaption daily. My team and I raised six thousand dollars in hopes to spread awareness of the social injustices of climate change, traveling into extremely rural areas of Southern Bangladesh to show how those most severely impacted upon are often those who have contributed the least to the problem. We spent 30 days in the field with a translator visiting the most rural parts of Bangladesh to witness mass erosion and severe flooding. We also spent time in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka, where we visited the slums that are inhabited by migrants who have traveled from the south of Bangladesh because they have lost their homes to erosion or flooding. We interviewed experts, affected Bangladeshis and regarded political leaders like, Dr. Saleemul Huq, the Director of ICCCAD and a Senior Fellow at the International Institute for Environment & Development (IIED), and Sarder Shafiqul Alam, a climate change expert and senior researcher. As well as attending an international renewable energy discussion where experts and political leaders from all around Asia and Europe shared adaption ideas and methods. Through this documentary, I hope to build solidarity between the Global North and the Global South not only on the issue of climate change but in realizing we are all citizens of the earth.

simultaneously, I am creating an exciting documentary about shells. While I can’t share too much just yet, I am thrilled about this project and look forward to revealing more soon!

and every so often, a project comes along that perfectly aligns with both budget and purpose, giving you the best of both worlds. For me, such standout collaborations have included Texture Waves x Vans and The Usal Project.

textured waves is a BIPOC female surfer movement building community in the waves ~ Van and Textured Waves collaborated on a clothing line and it was so fun to help create more inclusivity and visual representation of black women in the surfing space.

usal is building communities through local workshops and retreats across all things outdoors, sustainably, and wellness. usal’s mission is to provide inclusive and safe environments for all to learn in nature. It’s so fulfilling to build community and connect to other nature-loving folks.

you can keep up with all my stories: sourcefilms.org // @sourcefilms // @samhhunter

Sammy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

when I was 10 years old, my father gifted me an underwater camera, sparking a lifelong passion for capturing moments. since then, I’ve dedicated myself to documenting the raw truth through my lens. as an analog filmmaker and photographer based in Los Angeles, CA, and Miami, FL, I specialize in creating powerful documentary films, stunning underwater photography, evocative artist portraiture, and compelling lifestyle/editorial media.

my ultimate goal as a documentary filmmaker is to create meaningful journalistic media and spread revolutionizing knowledge, as I have a passion for environmentalism, human evolvement, and social activism, using film as a catalyst for global change. I want to create powerful documentaries with cinematic effects, thus appealing to the masses and exposing dire topics. I pride myself as an individual who looks at global issues through a creative and analytical lens.

what sets my eye apart is my ability to hold space and let the story unfold naturally. I channel what the moment needs, facilitating an authentic, loving, and playful environment that invites wonder, discovery, and truth.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is creating. I believe we all create to feel a little less lonely. Through my art, I connect with others and share those profound moments of truth and beauty.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

the most effective strategy for growing my clientele and audience has been simply being myself and sharing my work authentically. by shining my authentic light, I naturally attract projects, brands, and individuals who appreciate my unique perspective and vibrant colors..

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sourcefilms.org
• Instagram: samhhunter // sourcefilms
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@samanthahhunter/videos
• Other: Vimeo https://vimeo.com/samanthahhunter