Welcome

The Last Stand: Heroes At Ballona Wetlands

A Three-Part Film Series by Sheila Laffey

Photo courtesy of Johnathan Coffin https://www.flickr.com/photos/stonebird

The Last Stand 3-Part Film Series on the Ballona Wetlands

1. The Struggle for the Ballona Wetlands (1999), 60 min.

2. The Last Stand: Update 2000, 60 min.

3. The Last Stan: Heroes at Ballona Wetlands (2004) 24 min.

The series includes three spirited films which examine the controversial land use struggle near Los Angeles International Airport related to the Playa Vista development which included the proposed DreamWorks' Studio until DreamWorks withdrew in 2004.

The series centers on the issues, politics and players involved in the debate over one of Southern California's remaining wetland ecosystems and one of Los Angeles' last open spaces. The film provides a stimulating forum for wetland issues, particularly in southern California where wetland losses have reached 95%, compared to 50% lost nationally.

The Ballona Wetlands drama includes scientists, environmentalists, development advocates, actors, filmmakers, authors, Native Americans, labor unionists and politicians set against the backdrop of Hollywood and a wetlands ecosystem. The film also shows the various functions of wetlands in a dynamic and entertaining way.

Dr. Joy Zedler, Aldo Leopold Professor of Restoration Ecology at the University of Wisconsin describes the various functions of wetlands which she refers to as "rainforests in miniature." Dr. Zedler is considered one of the foremost wetlands expert in the country. She is the former Director of the Pacific Estuarine Research Lab, San Diego State University and was the recipient of the National Wetlands Award (for science research) awarded by Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental Law Institute, May, 1997. Dr. Zedlar is the author of Wetlands Restoration and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of The Nature Conservancy.

The film concludes with examples of land preservation solutions at Bolsa Chica Wetlands at Huntington Beach, 35 acres at Fomosa Slew in San Diego, and 30 acres of Madrona Marsh in Torrance. It includes clips from a 1959 film which shows the beginning of development at Point Reyes National Seashore and information about its preservation as a National Seashore three years later.

Production stills from The documentary films

Ed Asner narrates the film.

DIRECTORS: Todd Brunelle, Sheila Laffey

PRODUCER: Sheila Laffey

EDITOR: Lorraine Salk

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Mary Duprey

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Sheila Laffey, Michael Tobia

Activists at theater with Brent Mazza, actor Ed Begley, Jr., Lola Terrell, Sheila Laffey before film screening

Protesters shine light on investors who wanted to bulldoze the fragile coastal freshwater lagoon.

Todd Brunelle and Sheila Laffey filming at Madrona Marsh in Torrance where 800 tons of concrete were removed to restore wetlands.

Activist Leslie Purcell above site of Native American burial grounds dug up at Playa Vista land

EWALA (Earth/Water/LA) walk to Ballona Wetlands. About half of the wetlands were built on, about half preserved. Issues continue. To date, lawsuits have saved what remains.

MEDIA COVERAGE

Major Press on Feature Films

"The Mudslinging in the Wetlands," Lorenza Munoz and ‘Wetlands" More Promotion Than Documentary," James Bates, Los Angeles Times, April 24, 1999

"Business Writers Was Wrong Choice for ‘Wetlands’ Review", four letters to the editor, all supporting the film "Los Angeles Times," May 1, 1999

Counterpunch: Production Team Takes Issue with the Ballona Wetlands Stories," "Los Angeles Times," by filmmakers Sheila A. Laffey, Todd Brunelle, Lorraine Salk, Jay Elliot, May 10, 1999

"DreamJerks: Steven Spielberg and His Billionaire Partners Would Bulldoze E.T. to Get the Playa Vista Megadevelopment Built on L.A.’s last Surviving Wetlands. But Outraged Citizens May Topple These Giants," cover story, "New Times Los Angeles, June 3-9, 1999

Newspaper Articles : The Last Stand: Heroes At Ballona Wetlands 2004 short

Argonaut Newspaper, The Last Stand finalist in Ethos Film Festival Laemmle Monica

https://www.argonautnews.com/arts_and_events/the-last-stand-ballona-wetlands-documentary-shows-at-film-festival/article_1ff63204-7e81-11ee-ba3c-c7feae089aec.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR03uiTVqjCwgtr5A1YYNBj2Tzch336CNMQeHuHxfvY-Ausuu_DLJHwwexA

The Last Stand: Heroes at Ballona Wetlands - Santa Monica Daily Press (smdp.com)

Santa Monica Daily Press, Jack Neworth Nov. 10, 2023

https://smdp.com/2023/11/10/the-last-stand-heroes-at-ballona-wetlands/

Welcome

The Last Stand: Heroes At Ballona Wetlands

Link to Movie

The Last Stand 3-Part Film Series on the Ballona Wetlands

Production stills from The documentary films

MEDIA COVERAGE

Major Press on Feature Films

Newspaper Articles : The Last Stand: Heroes At Ballona Wetlands 2004 short

Other Articles and Reviews: The Last Stand Struggle The Ballona Wetlands 1999

Welcome

The Last Stand: Heroes At Ballona Wetlands

Link to Movie

The Last Stand 3-Part Film Series on the Ballona Wetlands

Production stills from The documentary films

MEDIA COVERAGE

Major Press on Feature Films

Newspaper Articles : The Last Stand: Heroes At Ballona Wetlands 2004 short

Other Articles and Reviews: The Last Stand Struggle The Ballona Wetlands 1999

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