On August 21, 2026, Ella and Derek went to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens to do b-roll video of the Zoo’s action-packed free-flight demonstration called “Ameritas Wings of Wonder“. Footage from that day will be used in an upcoming full length documentary, written and directed by Ella.
This fall, there will be two public “Forest Calls” events scheduled at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens on Thursday, October 8th 2026.
The first one, involving Sabra Kauka and members of theKa’imi Na’auao O Hawai’i Nei will start at 11:00AM. The second one, scheduled for 1:00PM will involve Hawai’i scientists (Lizzy Baxter (KISC), Allie Cabrera (KFBRP), and Adriana Santacruz-Castro (MNA)), in a panel discussion with Zoo staff/scientists and Zoo Academy students.
More details will follow soon.
Background Story Behind The Filming
Two years ago, CCM produced a documentary short film about the 2024 Lighting Design and Technology Projection students’ creative work at the Insane 51 Mural (at 1539 Race Street – in the parking lot at the corner of Race and Liberty streets). The film, titled “BLINK: A Spotlight on CCM” was co-produced by Derek Stacy, and this year, Derek will act as the main DOP/Camera Person for the 2024 “Forest Calls” documentary outputs.
He was with Ella at the venue, filming not only the “Wings of Wonder” presentation, but also general footage and “Behind-The-Scenes” in preparation for next month.
Here are stills from that day:
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens does an incredible job, and conservation is a priority, and at the core of their mission. We are looking forward to share what they do, engage and collaborate.
