Two Department of Film & Media Arts alumna alumni, Abby Ellis (BA ’11) and Beth Kearsley (BA ’21), were honored for their work on "The Lake," which was recently honored with U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award Impact for Change at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
Abby was the film’s director, producer, editor, and cinematographer (and she’s also an adjunct professor here at the U!). Beth was the film’s associate editor.
"The Lake,” is a a documentary that premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, and focuses on the plight of the Great Salt Lake. Executive Producers include Leonardo DiCaprio, Jimmy Chin, Geralyn White Dreyfus, and more.