USU Wind Energy Documentary Wins Award at Film Festival

A documentary written and produced by two marketing professors from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University has won an award at the Mountain Film Festival in Mammoth, Calif.

 

Wind Uprising was written and produced by professors Cathy L. Hartman and Edwin Stafford, with the help of Michelle Nunez of GreenTech Films. Narrated by former U.S. senator from Utah, Jake Garn, the film documents the four-year struggle involved in developing the Spanish Fork Wind Project in Spanish Fork, Utah.

 

“It is a true entrepreneurship story about how the wind developers persevered to overcome the odds to bring renewable energy to Utah,” Stafford said.

 

The film also illustrates obstacles that were overcome during the development process, including policy barriers, fickle investors, transmission limitations and “not in my backyard” resistance from nearby residents, Stafford said. 

 

“We’ve presented the human side of the story,” said Hartman. “These are people next door … business people in the community who revolutionized the energy industry in the state. That’s what makes it so exciting.”

 

The Spanish Fork project paved the way for future wind developments in the state, according to Hartman.

 

Hartman and Stafford have been researching renewable energy and clean technology since 1995 and started work on the Spanish Fork project in 2004. Small communities began showing an increased interest in wind power education and presentations, so in 2007 Hartman and Stafford decided to make a film to increase the reach of the project, they said.

 

The film was funded by the Renewable Energy for Rural Economic Development Project and was also supported by Sen. Bob Bennett. The project is part of the Department of Energy Wind Powering America Program, which has education outreach as a major function of the organization.

 

Hartman and Stafford also have plans for future documentaries and a series of short films for educational purposes.

 

The Mountain Film Festival is held yearly to highlight independent films, especially those that focus on mountain culture, action sports and environmental issues. Wind Uprising was a Seven Summits Award winner in the environmental film category.

 

The film will make its Utah premiere at the Partners In Business Renewable Energy, Cleantech and Sustainable Business Seminar April 8 at Utah State University.

 

The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University seeks to inspire and equip students to become innovative, ethical leaders with refined analytical skills that will help them understand and succeed in the global marketplace. More information on the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business may be found at the Web site.

Writer: Megan Starley, megan.starley@aggiemail.usu.edu

Contact: Cathy Hartman (435) 797-4062, cathy.hartman@usu.edu; Edwin Stafford (435) 797-3890, ed.stafford@usu.edu