We had the good fortune of connecting with Paige Swift and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paige, how does your business help the community?
The films & documentaries that we screen for the festival I arrange address important environmental issues that our communities face today, from a local to a global level. I work really hard to curate film blocks that have a particular theme, built around one of many genres- sustainable living, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, wildlife conservation, problems with plastics, along with some that are light-hearted, and just plain fun, like the ever-popular outdoor adventure films. The intention is to present films that inspire appreciation and understanding of nature and our environment. Also, the films- and the audience discussions with guest filmmakers and environmental experts- and hopefully encourage taking action, getting involved… and at the very least, considering the impact of our lifestyle choices. When the blocks are orchestrated artfully, it can be very moving. It sparks curiosity, and conversations get started, ideas are discussed… people want to DO something. There is a true ‘energy’ that radiates from the audience. You can feel it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After graduating from the UGA Grady College of Journalism in 1992, I moved to Atlanta. I initially worked in corporate and commercial TV/Film production, which is how I met Mike FIlosa, and went to work at his company, Advanced Field Production. He was an excellent mentor; To this day, I still work with him on occasion. Freelancing in film/TV is not for the faint of heart- especially live television. It is often unpredictable and stressful, but rarely boring. I loved being able to work on such a wide variety of sets, from corporate training videos, to working in the BBC studio during the ’96 Olympics.

I did have a major career pause while I raised 3 children., and there was next to zero opportunity for TV/film work when I moved to Columbus, GA. Re-entering the workforce after a divorce was a pretty daunting challenge, too, especially after a 15 year hiatus. I was working for a well established environmental nonprofit when I encountered the Wild & Scenic Film Fest, which got my wheels turning on what a cool and impactful concept it would be to bring to our region, and here we are!

I’m currently involved in my first documentary production, ‘The Wintering Grounds,’ about a group of world-travelling top-notch freestyle kayakers. They are really a fascinating community of folks. In fact, we hosted the director, Jeff Springer, our first year for screening his smash hit doc, ‘RODENTS OF UNUSUAL SIZE,’ He was totally surprised and fascinated by the rapids course running through the middle of town. So, had it not been for the film festival, his interest and involvement in documenting this wild kayaking story would never have happened.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Atlanta, and am there aften for work… and play! The change since the early ’90’s is truly mind-blowing. I was a Buckhead resident back then, and still love the lush green neighborhoods of that area- so great for a nice walk, or for a leisurely drive to ogle at the beautiful homes around Peachtree Battle and Habersham. I love eating at the La Fonda location that was the original Fellini’s Pizza on Peachtree.

The west side’s White Star complex has amazing dining and shopping. JCT Kitchen is delish, but definitely miss Star Provisions and Bacchanalia being there… so wild it was a location a film that I love- Baby Driver. Speaking of Baby Driver, my first job in corporate production was downtown, in the Peachtree Center Complex, where they shot the foot chase scene in Baby Driver; the wrap party for the BBC ’96 Olympics coverage was at the Westin’s rooftop rotating restaurant- definitely still cool to check that out. Nearby is The Tabernacle, my favorite entertainment venue… I’ve seen Beck in concert there, as well as riotous stand up from Ali Wong and Dave Chapelle.

From there, love checking out what’s on at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Most shows are all-ages, but occasionally they have an ‘R- rated’ puppet show for adults… who knew? Next, a stop at Piedmont Park in midtown is a must; I do miss the days when the Attack of the Killer Tomato Food Festival was there, but the annual Music Midtown always has a stellar line up. We love that event, it’s become a mother/daughter tradition for us.

The transformation of the old Sears Warehouse into Ponce City Market is just insane, with so many cool things going on in and around there, and it’s right on the Belt Line. There are concerts at the Winery, the Ponce City rooftop rec area… and The Claremont Lounge (and infamous strip club) are just down the street- that’s a must see! Krog Street is interesting, too, especially all of those selfie-snappers at the Graffiti Underpass. Definitely a stroll through Oakland Cemetery would be good, especially if they have an event going on, and then head for the coolest, most stylish, and my favorite restaurant/lounge of ALL TIME: Golden Eagle. Alas, as of May 2021, it is no more… RIP Golden Eagle.

My favorite part of town these days, though, is Old Fourth Ward and ‘hoods around it. Walking or cycling (no scooters for me!) the Belt Line is awesome. The Lantern Parade is especially cool, and hanging outside at Ladybird is super fun. I would recommend hitting every single one of Ford Fry’s restaurants… I love them all, especially the funky retro vibe at Beedlecat!

Columbus is a under 2 hours away, and although there are endless things to do in Atlanta, switch it up sometime and check out what’s happening down here. We have lots going on downtown, all walkable- restaurants, theaters, a planetarium,… the river, the rapids, rafting, ziplining, fishing, and our Riverwalk isn’t as congested for pedestrians and cyclists as the Belt Line can get. Oh yeah- in August there’s this amazing environmental documentary film and cultural arts festival!

Things are looking up with the vaccine, as far as the pandemic looking smaller in the rear-view window. It seems like real, on-site events are going to be back in vogue in late summer & fall. People are ready, I know I am!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without question, I owe a debt of gratitude to SYRCL’s Flagship Wild & Scenic Film Festival, out in Nevada City, Northern California. I went to the festival on a whim in 2017, and was blown away at what they put together, and how they’ve grown the event over the past 20 years. It was amazing! I’ve since developed a fairly strong relationship with their film fest staff, who provide support & resources for a touring program that I think is pretty unique. The majority of film content I arrange comes from their program, after it’s been through 2 different jury processes. This ensures that the films- whether it’s a student film, a BBC Planet Earth or a Leonardo DiCaprio production- are of the highest production value. They also work with me on incorporating films outside of their library into my programming. That helps me include regional or hyper-local issues that may be important to our partners, or close to the heart and minds of our audience and other collaborators.

I’ve been going every year since 2017, and have seen some really powerful films and met some truly incredible people. It’s the best way to gauge audience reactions, and which speakers or filmmakers would make engaging guests to host at our event. I can’t wait to finally go back to ‘the mothership’ in 2020!

Integral support has also been huge on the local level. As a new nonprofit with a staff of one (me), I rely heavily on both contracted and voluntary support. We’ve had nice success with corporate and private funding, which continues to grow. We also have a wonderful working relationship with Columbus State University and its fabulous Riverpark Campus that is located downtown, near all of the cool things to see and do… when you’re not watching films!

So- a HUGE shoutout to all the aforementioned for their encouragement and confidence, and for being willingly involved. Nature Now- and this film and cultural arts experience- wouldn’t exist without it!

Website: watchnaturenow.org

Instagram: @watchnaturenow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturenow.org/

Image Credits
Joseph Berger, Reeve Glisson

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