Host Michelle Lewis talks with filmmaker Rob Holmes, director of Mountain Biking Through Sacred Land, selected for the 2026 Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. Holmes explains how his company GLP Films aims to make tourism a “force for good” by telling authentic, impact-driven stories that educate travelers and support local, especially Indigenous, communities. The film focuses on the Mapuche in southern-central Chile near the Argentina border and highlights their connection to nature, including the monkey puzzle tree and related traditions, food, and medicinal uses. Holmes describes the film’s core idea: combining adventure travel (extreme-terrain mountain biking) with respectful engagement on sacred lands so visitor spending benefits the community. They discuss tourism’s double-edged nature, the role of storytelling and education, and Holmes’ hope in conservation leaders and simple messages about clean air, water, and healthy food.
00:00 Welcome to the Show
00:36 Why This Film
03:51 Mapuche Culture and Sacred Land
05:14 Adventure Travel Meets Community
07:12 Tourism Balance and Impact
08:55 What Viewers Should Take Away
12:23 Connection Through Storytelling
14:56 Why He Makes Films
17:09 Education in a Noisy World
19:01 Finding Hope
19:57 The Climate Stick
22:19 Closing Thanks and Festival Info
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