THE DEER DIVIDE: ABOUT THE FILM

Right off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is well known for its luxurious vacation spots, outdoor activities, and rich wildlife. Mule deer, originally brought to the island nearly a century ago for hunting purposes, now pose a threat to the island’s unique ecosystem, as they are decimating the island’s natural ecosystem.

 

The Catalina Island Conservancy has proposed a plan to eliminate all 2,000 deer on the island with sharpshooters from helicopters. This proposal received resistance from residents and citizens across the country, sparking conflict about scientific integrity, community engagement through protest, and differing wildlife conservation philosophies.

​

The film premiered at the 2024 Catalina Film Festival and won the Award of Excellence.

 

Directed by Nate Markquart and Chloe Prahl.

Produced by Peter Yinzhi Pan and Angel Mendoza.