Elijah Yetter-Bowman
they/them
Elijah Yetter-Bowman
White or Caucasian
Queer
Non-binary
Affiliations
Southern Documentary Fund Fiscal Sponsee Eric & Wendy Schmidt SciComm Fellow International Thespians SocietyImpact Campaigns & Crowdfunding
International public health campaign in partnership with the IAFF (international fire union) about toxic chemicals in firefighter gear. Led, spoke at, and directed BURNED film for this campaign which included over 1600 in-person screening events at firehouses, legislative hearings, universities and businesses across the world. More info at https://www.etherealfilms.org/impact/
Links to Work
Bio
Hi! I am an infinitely curious problem solver with a penchant for asking question. Since I was little, I have been fascinated with how things work. The late Carl Sagan was a major inspiration during my childhood. His ability to share the wonder of discovering how the universe works left a lasting impact with me. I am honored to be the child of two amazing people and sibling to an incredible guy that roasts the best coffee in the world.
My skills/interests include documentary filmmaking, storytelling, public performance, scientific research, communication, impact campaigns, public engagement and restructuring a better society.
I am also a competitive rock climber, musician, cyclist, queer business owner and intersectional feminist.
Projects
BURNED: Protecting the Protectors
The true story of how the spouse of a firefighter revealed exposure to forever chemicals poisoning millions of firefighters worldwide. This film was released as an urgent public service announcement to firefighters everywhere, in partnership with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).
Angel of Alabama
Brenda Hampton was born first of ten to a family in rural Alabama. Her mother taught her to think critically and always fight for justice, so she left for Boston to become an investigator. When her mother fell ill, she returned to Alabama to donate her left kidney. Eventually Brenda’s remaining kidney began to fail and triggered her realization of a larger problem. With her expertise and passion for justice, she identified the source of massive environmental contamination in Alabama. Her years of work have led to a permanent water solution for her community. Her efforts have even pushed international progress including a policy change by the largest fast-food company in the world: McDonalds.
The Bowl
A film about the toughest questions.
Story Summary
The documentary follows a team of six North Carolina high school girls and their teacher as they prepare for and compete in the National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB) at UNC Chapel Hill. The film begins with the team’s journey leading up to the competition, capturing their intense preparation and deep engagement with ethical cases. Through interviews and classroom footage, we see the students’ excitement, nerves, and the bonds they form while grappling with complex moral issues.
GenX: The Saga of Forever Chemicals
GenX is an upcoming, four-part documentary about the worst pollution crisis in world history, and how to fix it. How a student researching their mom’s rare illness fell down a rabbit hole to fix the world’s greatest pollution crisis. This journey shines a light on the powerful effect that community advocacy is doing to drive corporations to their knees.
