In 2017, two national monuments, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, were drastically reduced in size to allow for oil and gas development.
Along with this reduction, 25 other national monuments were reviewed to allow for oil and gas extraction, mining, logging, and commercial development.
"Beautiful film! The art and activism both unite to speak Kelly's truth whilst challenging an apathy amongst us."
- Maxine Doyle, Associate Director of Punchdrunk, Co-Director and Choreographer of Sleep No More
Under Review: Katahdin
MISSION
UR: Conservation, LLC is dedicated to catalyzing a global movement towards sustainable environmental practices through innovative storytelling and immersive experiences that highlight the importance of wild lands and advocate for their protection. Our mission is centered around igniting environmental awareness and action, with a focus on addressing the imminent threats facing our natural landscapes. We blend filmmaking, dance, and immersive art to engage audiences, inspiring stewardship of the environment.
VISION
To create renowned films that merge dance and physical theater with stories about environmental conservation and ecological healing.
VALUES
Authenticity, Empathy, Inclusivity, Innovation, Collaboration, Resilience, and Accountability.
These values guide us in every project and initiative we undertake, serving as the foundation for our approach to environmental advocacy.
INTENTION
Exploitation of land is happening every day, destroying the already limited untouched wildlife in this country. By drawing attention to the public lands that were under review, the series aims to increase public awareness of the threatened lands and promote the protection of our nation’s disappearing wilderness.
Under Review: Gold Butte
LOCATIONS
"Under Review" is not just a film series; it's a journey across America's diverse landscapes, from lush forests to arid deserts, highlighting the biodiversity, natural wonders, and communities at risk of exploitation. Moving forward, we are partnering with grassroots organizations and stakeholders to ensure that our stories are authentic and inclusive, amplifying the voices of those historically marginalized in environmental discourse.
Through our productions, including Gold Butte National Monument (publicly released 2018), Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (publicly released 2021), Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (in development), and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (2030), we aim to shed light on the destructive forces threatening our nation’s already limited public lands.
WHY DANCE?
Integrating dance and physical theater enhances our narratives' emotional depth, eliciting a spectrum of feelings—from despair to hope—that prompt viewers to reflect on their bond with nature. These art forms, initially disparate, converge powerfully, serving as a medium to articulate our intricate connection with the environment. Dance becomes a canvas for portraying nature's complexities, delving into themes of decay, resilience, and humanity's struggle against technological encroachment. Through choreographed movements, we illuminate the tension between human influence and the natural world, unveiling the challenges posed by technology and industrialization.
PURPOSE
Our purpose isn’t to simply end the battle with the government. Rather, our purpose is to inform the public about these lands so we are encouraged to vote, behave and respond in an educated way that allows our planet to heal.
Beyond filmmaking, our initiatives extend to supporting local tribes through collaboration, hiring, and outreach. We host panel discussions and conduct stakeholder interviews that are shared with the public to ensure that diverse voices are heard in the conservation dialogue. We are committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of our work, recognizing that environmental conservation is inherently linked to social justice and equity.
photo by: Umi Akiyoshi
Kelly Ashton Todd
| Director | Choreographer | Environmental Activist |
Kelly Ashton Todd is a director, choreographer, performing artist, and environmental activist who makes work for both live theater and film. She currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. She is originally from Lake Jackson, TX, where she began her passion for the environment from being surrounded by live oak trees, the beloved creek, and blue crabs along the jetties. Her work explores land and human exploitation, environmental politics, and surrealism.
She received a BFA in Modern Dance from Texas Christian University and a Double Minor in Biology and Environmental Science (2011) along with a Master’s in Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University (2021). Kelly performed with the off-Broadway show Sleep No More from 2015-2022. She graduated from the William Esper Acting Studio in 2022 and along with performing, she also teaches Environmental Science, Film Design, and Sex Ed at Waterfront Montessori in Jersey City, NJ.
Kelly’s creations have been showcased globally. She has presented work at the Kaufman Hall at the 92nd St Y, Pioneer Works, Dixon Place, NOoSPHERE Arts, ‘T’ Space Rhinebeck, Usine C, and Meow Wolf Santa Fe. She has been awarded the Brooklyn Arts Council Grant (2019, 2020, and 2022), Jerome Hill Foundation Finalist, F21 NYSCA in Media Grant, Puffin Foundation Grant, LEIMAY Fellowship, Human Impacts Institute Environmental Health Fellowship, NYFA Fellowship in Choreography, Emerging Choreographer for Springboard Danse Montreal 2022, and the Baryshnikov Artist Residency in 2023.
She was a panelist for the United Nations in 2023 where she shared her creations and spoke to the intersection of climate change, female empowerment, and technology. Her award-winning environmental dance film series, Under Review, has attended over 20 film festivals nationally and internationally. Most recently, Under Review: Katahdin was awarded the New Vision award from the International Wildlife Film Festival.