

BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY - Coronado Film Festival | AUDIENCE AWARD - Maui Film Festival
Forest Ecology • Environmental Conservation • Wildfire Management • Indigenous Knowledge • Tree Genetics • Dendrochronology • Mental Health & Well-being
Date of Completion: 2024 | Run Time: 82 minutes | Language: English & Yurok (minimal) with French & Mandarin subtitles | Captions: Yes | Includes: Transcript | Director & Producer: Lisa Landers | Editor: Damon Claussen | Composer: Cody Westheimer | Executive Producer: Nora McNeely Hurley
A journey into the heart of America’s most iconic forests, GIANTS RISING explores the secrets, superpowers and saga of the redwoods— the tallest and some of the oldest living beings on Earth. It’s an epic tale that reveals the wonders of these majestic trees and our dramatic, ever-evolving relationship with them.
Living links to the past, redwoods also hold powers that may play a role in our future, including their ability to withstand fire and capture carbon, to offer clues about resilience, and even to enhance our own well-being. Through the voices of biologists, artists, Native communities and others, we discover the redwoods’ scientific marvels and our deep cultural ties to them.
It’s a story that offers insights about the value of our interconnections, and the promise of solutions that will help us ALL rise up to face the challenges that lay ahead.
DocLands Festival | Joni Cooper, Programming Director
"GIANTS RISING is a glorious cinematic celebration! The sold-out crowds quite literally floated away within the silence and magic of the forests during DocLands and at a special Encore screening afterwards! The Q&As were heartfelt, informational, and filled with wonderful stories shared by the film’s protagonists. Thank you for telling this essential story and for sharing it with the world!"
University of California, Berkeley | Dr. Todd Dawson, Professor of Environmental Science
"Giants Rising is a powerful educational tool—stunningly filmed, deeply rooted in science, and highly engaging. I’ve witnessed firsthand how this expertly woven tapestry of stories captivates both students and lifelong learners, while sparking critical conversations about our relationship to redwoods, to all forests, and to the natural world."
Overly Honest Film Reviews | Chris Jones
"GIANTS RISING takes you on an unparalleled adventure through the towering majesty of California's redwood forests, crafting a narrative that's rich and as deep as the woods it explores.The film stands out in the documentary genre, breaking the mold with its heartfelt homage to these ancient sentinels. Michael Franti's passionate narration ties the whole experience together, making it a journey that resonates deeply with viewers. The blend of scientific exploration and emotional, artistic depth paints a vivid picture of the redwoods, positioning them as natural marvels and central figures in our environmental dialogue."
The Parks Channel | Charles Poe, CEO
"Through stunning visuals and powerful storytelling, Landers sheds light on the urgent need to protect these towering giants, reminding us of their ecological significance, their impact on us as humans, and the role they play in our planet’s future."
AWARDS
Best Feature Documentary | Coronado Island Film Festival
Audience Award | Maui Film Festival
Best Documentary | Simi Film Festival
Best Cinematography | Global Science Film Festival
Best Environmental Feature Documentary | Arizona International Film Festival
Best Documentary Feature | Eugene Environmental Film Festival
Finalist | Jackson Wild
Official Selection | Wildscreen
Official Selection | Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Official Selection | DC Environmental Film Festival
Official Selection | International Wildlife Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary | Nevada Women's Film Festival
Nature's Champion Award | CANFF