The American Southwest Documentary Coming Soon

Following a rousing and sold-out premiere at MountainFilm over Memorial Day weekend, where audiences gave standing ovations and glowing feedback, the powerful new documentary THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST is set for a theatrical release across seven states: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, California, Texas, and Colorado on September 5.

Directed by Ben Masters of Fin and Fur Films (Unbranded, The River, and The Wall, and Deep in the Heart) and produced by Len Necefer of Natives Outdoors (Welcome to Gwichyaa Zhee, Spirit of the Peaks), THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST is a visually immersive and deeply moving exploration of the region’s fragile ecosystems, Indigenous resilience, and the growing fight against climate change. The film features renowned land protector and fashion model Quannah Chasinghorse (Reservation Dogs), whose personal journey and advocacy anchor the documentary’s urgent call to action.

“The American Southwest shows how deeply our future depends on the health of land, water, and climate,” said Len Necefer, producer and founder of NativesOutdoors. “Indigenous leadership is rooted in centuries of experience—and it’s central to what comes next.”

Audiences at MountainFilm in Telluride, Colorado, responded with overwhelming enthusiasm during its premiere weekend, where screenings sold out and the film was met with standing ovations. Viewers praised the film for its emotional depth, stunning cinematography, and its timely spotlight on environmental justice.

“We are honored and energized by the response at MountainFilm,” said Director Ben Masters. “It’s clear that this story resonates deeply—and now we’re thrilled to bring it to wider audiences across the Southwest.”

The film’s theatrical rollout is being led by distribution consultant and head of MTuckman Media, Michael Tuckman. Tuckman is known for championing impactful independent cinema across the country, including the 2025 Academy Award-winning documentary No Other Land. Tuckman previously worked with the film team on Deep in the Heart, which was one of the top 10 highest-grossing documentaries of 2022.

*Ticket information will be available soon at www.theamericansouthwest.film.

THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST is a cinematic call to action, honoring the region’s landscapes, lifeways, and waters as they face unprecedented threats.

About Fin and Fur Films

Fin and Fur Films is a collection of professional creatives who are passionate about conservation and visual storytelling. We produce films from idea conception through distribution and offer cinematography, production, and directing services.

From restoring endangered species to advocating for healthy river flows, we are dedicated to using film as a medium to help conserve wildlife and their habitat. Our team members are adventure-lovin’ folks who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and have a good time, all while making great movies.

About NativesOutdoors

NativesOutdoors is a media and consulting company who cultivates the talent of indigenous communities

NativesOutdoors began as a social media project in March 2017 by Len Necefer (Diné) to highlight the stories and photos of Native people in outdoor recreation to address the lack of representation of Indigenous people in the outdoor industry.

The organization has expanded to providing advisory and consulting services to the outdoor industry on topics within the intersection of tribes, public lands, and outdoor recreation.

NativesOutdoors is working directly with tribal governments, community organizations, and individuals on increasing access to outdoor recreation and connecting resources and opportunities within the outdoor industry.