"Saving the Hoosier: The Fight for America's Forests" will be narrated by Hud Mellencamp, with music by John Mellencamp and a host of other popular Hoosier musicians. Big thanks to the Mellencamp family for their support of our forests!

The film focuses on the Hoosier National Forest and the people fighting for its survival. The heated debate surrounding the future of the Hoosier National Forest - or, "the Hoosier," as locals call it - is at the heart of the film:

Should it be logged, burned and treated with chemicals as per the 2006 US Forest Service plan? Left untouched as many activists advocate? Or transformed into a national park for greater protection and historical preservation?

This story begins in 2021, when the US Forest Service announced plans to begin extensive logging and burning right next to the homestead of Andy Mahler and Linda Lee. At the age of 70, lifelong activist Andy Mahler once again led the valiant charge against the largest logging project ever proposed in the history of the Hoosier. Despite a stage IV cancer diagnosis, Andy remained at the forefront of the Save Hoosier National Forest movement until his untimely passing on August 30, 2025.

Completed interviews include:

Indiana Governor and forest advocate Mike Braun

Dean Vonderheide, Mayor of Jasper (“America’s Wood Capital”)

Dr. Sherry Mitchell-Bruker, president of Friends of Lake Monroe

James McKenna, retired US Forest Service employee and current advisor

Tracy Branam, professional geologist / United States Geological Survey employee

Julie Thomas, Monroe County Board of Commissioners

Andy Mahler, founding member of Heartwood, Protect Our Woods, and Indiana Forest Alliance

Mary Beth Gibbons, founding member of Protect Our Woods

Steven Stewart, Orange County resident / Choctaw tribe descendent / Heartwood board member

Jeff Stant, past executive director of Indiana Forest Alliance

Rock Emmett, vice president of Southwest Indiana Citizens for Quality of LIfe

Sister Anita Lowe, prioress for Sisters of St. Benedict at Monastery Immaculate Conception

And more! With huge thanks to Visit Indiana for providing B roll for the film!

From the sweeping beauty of the Hoosier to the legal battles involved, from conflict between neighbors to struggles of the human spirit, this timely new film shines a light on the hearts of the people who make up the Heartland of America and explores the power of nonpartisan cooperation vital to the protection of our forests

The actual budget of this film is $70k. We have all been working on this film pro-bono over this past year, and we now must fundraise at least $10k to hire a professional editor. If we can raise $35k here, then we can pay our team at half-price, with the rest as our donation to the work. Please help!

EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO DONATES WILL BE LISTED IN THE FILM CREDITS!

Thanks in advance!

Rachael Himsel - executive producer, writer & co-director

David Yosha - co-producer & co-director