Pittsburgh-based Wild Excellence Films' documentary “Golden Eagles: Witnesses to a Changing West” will air on public television station WQED on Wednesday, December 21, at 10:00 p.m.

It has been shown more than 500 times on PBS stations around the country, but this is the first time that it will screen in the Pittsburgh area, the hometown of its creators, conservation filmmakers Melissa Rohm and David Rohm.

The film tells the story of the stunning golden eagle, a raptor with a seven-foot wingspan and powerful talons, that isn’t immune to the challenges of the rapidly changing American West.

From climate change to sprawl, invasive species to disease, lead poisoning to energy development, the magnificent birds are under threat from many directions and are a species of serious conservation concern.

“Golden Eagles: Witnesses to a Changing West” takes viewers into the field with leading researcher Dr. Charles Preston and his team in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming as they rappel down cliffs into eagle nests to place leg bands on the birds.

“Filming in this wild, underappreciated landscape was a challenge,” said producer and cinematographer David Rohm. “But our footage of golden eagles and the people who dedicate their time to save them makes a strong case for conservation. It’s an honor to be able to tell this story.”

Never-before-seen footage of charismatic eaglets is paired with compelling narration to further the conservation message.

Gorgeous aerials of the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem; footage of grizzly bears, sage-grouse, and other animals; and dramatic landscapes show the diversity of this habitat.

Narrated by renowned naturalist and author Kenn Kaufman, this beautiful documentary makes the viewer feel like they’re in the field with Dr. Preston for an intimate view of these birds and the science that can help save them.

Viewers will go behind the scenes at wildlife rehabilitation centers where eagles are treated for lead poisoning, and hear stories of Indigenous people’s connections to the golden eagle, told by a member of the Crow Nation, Dr. Shane Doyle.

“We were excited to be filming these magnificent birds and to be working with such a great, passionate team,” said cinematographer Melissa Rohm. “One of our focuses was filming the banding of golden eagle nestlings. We captured some unique, never-before-seen moments, and we’re looking forward to sharing the eagles’ story with a wide audience. Many people aren’t familiar with golden eagles, but we hope the film will inspire conservation of this magnificent species.”

Wild Excellence Films worked closely with Wyoming PBS; the Draper Natural History Museum; Kristin Combs of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates; Dr. Shayne Doyle of the Crow Nation; Teton Raptor Center; Jill King from Styling the New West; Susan Ahalt from Ironside Bird Rescue; and naturalist, artist, and author Kenn Kaufman. Funders for the film include the Nancy-Carroll Draper Charitable Foundation; Wyoming Cultural Trust; Wyoming Community Foundation; Community Foundation of Jackson Hole; Meg and Bert Raynes Wildlife Fund; Rocky Mountain Power Foundation; and Wyoming Humanities Council.

Click Here to watch a trailer for Golden Eagles and other video projects.

Visit the Wild Excellence Films for an overview of other documentary and video projects.

[Posted: December 13, 2022]

12/19/2022