Utah Filmmaker Showcase: Human Nature Local Shorts

Kati Eriksen is a Sámi activist, producer, and developer. Kati has worked in several Sámi organizations and Sámi projects. She is a solution-oriented developer and visionary by nature. Kati has worked for the Sámi language, culture, art and human rights since 1996. With her work, she wants to strengthen her community and enable the work of talented artists and carriers of indigenous Sámi culture and language.

Kelly Hannah is a documentary storyteller based in Salt Lake City, Utah. His lifelong connection with Great Salt Lake inspired him to explore the watershed through documentary storytelling over the past decade. He is deeply curious about the unique perspectives offered by the terminal, saline lake and its relationship with the surrounding communities, including our individual connections with Great Salt Lake as human (salt water) bodies.

Kelly’s work has been exhibited at the Utah State Capitol, the Salt Lake City Main Library, and other public and private venues throughout the city. His photographic perspectives have been published in newspapers, magazines, newsletters, promotional campaigns, and statewide institutional research and education materials produced for the state legislature and government agencies to reference in their decision-making. During the 2023 legislative session, Kelly’s work was described as “beautiful activism” on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Scott Thornton serves as the Founder and Creative Director for Light Supply Media. His work has taken him all over the world to cover a variety of subjects—from institutional and corporate work, to feature documentaries, to character issue-based storytelling, to commercial projects, and beyond. Scott has filmed in war zones and sensitive locations such as the United Nations and the Pentagon in a news gathering and documentary capacity. Scott is skilled in all aspects of film and video production, and has special expertise in directing, producing, writing, editing, and research. Today, he serves his community by crafting meaningful films to bring awareness to organizations with a purpose.

As a director and writer, Talon Earley’s cinematic journey traces back to his childhood, when he first discovered his passion for storytelling with a camera on an iPod touch. To fulfill his dream, he is pursuing a degree in Digital Cinema Production with a focus in Directing at Utah Valley University.