A 10-minute student-produced environmental documentary about the Great Lakes is already drawing attention from three film festivals, with more expected.
Originally developed as a capstone project in journalism professor Troy Hale’s Advanced Documentary Filmmaking course, "WealthWashed" has gained early recognition even before its final cut is released.
The final cut of the film has not yet been released, and it has been nominated for a Student Production Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Michigan chapter.
Directed by Anna Barnes and Meg Vandermark and edited and produced by Lindsay Tague, the film also includes co-producer Milo Lucas, who contributed videography alongside Yixuan Li. The documentary examines Michigan’s complex relationship with the Great Lakes.
The film explores the issue of climate migration, focusing on access, equity, water culture and the pressures climate change places on the environment, population and infrastructure.
“This idea stood out because it’s an environmentally focused film that shows the realities of climate change for both those migrating due to climate risks and the communities where they settle,” said Barnes, a master’s student in journalism who is expected to graduate in December 2026.
“We show how different groups of people, especially marginalized communities, may be affected as Michigan experiences this influx,” she said. “One of our main goals is to raise awareness about the complexity of the issue so it is not overlooked by policymakers.”
An unfinished version of the film has been featured at two international festivals in the United Kingdom, Earth Stories and First-Time Filmmakers. It was also recently screened at the Skyfire Film Festival in Phoenix, Arizona, which highlights documentaries focused on environmental challenges and community engagement.
“Being featured in Skyfire was significant because it means our message about environmental impacts has reached an audience that aligns with the purpose of the film,” said Tague, a master’s student in journalism who will graduate this spring.
“I think it’s especially meaningful because it’s not just about screening the film. It’s about being part of a space where creative storytelling and emerging voices are taken seriously,” added Li, a master’s student in journalism graduating in 2027.
While the process of filming, editing and producing the documentary presented challenges, the students said collaboration was one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
“What I learned was to trust the process,” said Lucas, who will receive his bachelor’s degree in digital storytelling in May. “The more you work on a project, the more it starts to come together.”
Filming wrapped at the end of March, and the team expects to complete the final cut by mid-April.
“I hope when people watch this film, they will advocate for policies that protect our water, our communities and our environment,” Barnes said.
“We need to value Michigan water as more than a resource and work to position the state as a climate haven through environmental action and protection,” Vandermark added.
This article originally published on the College of Communication Arts and Sciences website.
