BEST DIRECTOR FOR DOCUMENTARY
Platinum Award
Best Actor & Director Awards - New York
2024
Umbria - Conservation directed by Dr Louis Lam is a film about the bond between the last guardians in the Green Heart of Italy and their lands. It tells the story about a love affair with nature through the stories of a truffle hunter, a fisherman, a crossbowman, a shepherd, and a wild boar hunter. It explores the devastating effect from several major earthquakes and the views about our modern society through an agriculturalist in Norcia, a professor of biodiversity, and a professor of subterrane civilizations. It is a feature documentary about the relationship between us and our land we live on, with all the joy, anger, and respect just like the relationship among people.
Filmed May 2024.
Film Director : Louis Lam
Co-Producer : Yi Wu
Director of Photography : Carlo Bolzani, Alessio Abate
Editor : Carlo Bolzani, Alessio Abate, Louis Lam
Golden State Film Festival
Press Releases
Official Press release featuring the film Guardians of Umbria
Official Press release featuring the film Guardians of Umbria
"Many reactions frame the film as an ode to the traditions and resilience of local communities, rather than a conventional documentary with heavy analysis — a strength for audiences who appreciate human-centered stories about rural life.”
"Awards juries in the documentary niche have specifically referenced the film’s motivational and inspirational impact on viewers, suggesting that Guardians of Umbria resonates beyond surface reportage into deeper themes about heritage and identity.”
"Guardians of Umbria received a Viewer Impact: Motivational/Inspirational Award at the Impact Docs Awards, a festival recognition that incorporates audience engagement and emotional resonance — indicating viewers found it meaningful or moving."
“The film captures the spirit of the Umbrian landscape and people, effectively situating viewers in the geography and culture of central Italy."