TEAM

Meet the Filmmakers

TEAM

Meet the Filmmakers

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

Friends of Duke Lake is my thesis film for my MFA at American University, where I studied social and environmental documentary. I set out to find an untold story where I could raise awareness and make a meaningful impact. Through my producer (and husband) Alex’s work with the Center for Coalfield Justice, I learned about Ryerson Station State Park and the annual DRYerson Festival, which commemorates the loss of Duke Lake. Seeing the lakebed twenty years after its draining, still clearly outlined and overgrown with tall grass, was surreal. It was a visible absence, an open wound still carried by the community in Greene County. When I learned that the long-awaited restoration may finally be on the horizon around the twentieth anniversary, I knew this was the moment to document the story of Duke Lake.

Drawing from extensive archival materials preserved by the park and residents over decades, I developed a tactile visual approach inspired by these physical records to immerse viewers in the collective memory of Duke Lake and Ryerson. While the story is rooted in the consequences of longwall mining, I found that the central focus shifted toward holding the state accountable for restoring the park. As restoration begins to move forward, I hope the film validates the community’s grief, inspires urgency and accountability, and encourages audiences to support the restoration of Ryerson Park as a place to connect with nature and one another.

-Lindsey Aranson

PRODUCTION TEAM

LINDSEY ARANSON • Director, Producer, Editor

Lindsey is a documentary filmmaker specializing in post-production. She views documentary as a form of activism and has made films about environmental justice, gun violence prevention, mental health advocacy, and queer pride. Lindsey holds a BA in Film and Media Production from the University of Pittsburgh. This film marks the completion of her MFA in film and media arts from American University, focusing on social impact and environmental filmmaking. See more of her work at lindseyaranson.com.

ALEX DOWNING • Producer

Alex is the Director of Communications with the Center for Coalfield Justice. He is passionate about telling the stories of people living on the front lines of fossil fuel extraction in Southwestern Pennsylvania. His work with CCJ has helped uplift the voices of residents facing health impacts, property damage, and water access issues due to fracking and coal mining in Washington and Greene Counties. Alex holds a BA Public Relations and Strategic Communications from American University and a MS in Environmental Studies from Point Park University.

SARAH KING • Director of Photography

Sarah is a director of photography and camera operator for documentaries focusing on nature and ecology. Her goal is to produce visually striking imagery that revitalizes our spirit to respect our animal neighbors and the ecosystems we share. She holds a BFA in Filmmaking from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a concentration in Cinematography and an MFA in Film and Media Arts from American University concentrating in Environmental and Wildlife Filmmaking. See more of her work at sgkingg742.wixsite.com/-portfolio.

WILL ROTHERMEL • Sound Design and Mix

Will Rothermel is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and sound designer from Ocean City, Maryland. He holds a BA in Music from Penn State University and an MA in Audio Technology from American University, where he specialized in scoring for visual media, sound design, and audio programming. His creative work spans electronic music, tape manipulation, and experimental sound art, with compositions featured in film, dance, live performance, and gallery settings. His post-production sound work has been published by the National Park Service, NASA+, and PBS affiliate WETA-TV. See his portfolio at willrothermel.com.

BRIAN TERRILL • Location Sound Recordist

Brian is a filmmaker and educator passionate about writing, directing, editing and animation. Brian works as a teaching artist and curriculum developer in the Washington DC area, where he enjoys helping students develop the technical skills to bring their creative visions to life. Brian holds a BA in Film and American Studies from William and Mary, and recently wrote and directed The Lobsters at Beach Party Point! to complete an MFA in Film and Media Arts at American University. See more of Brian’s work at brianterrill.com.