Check Out Mariah’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah.

Hi Mariah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
If I can pinpoint my journey with filmmaking, it would probably start with my love for family photo albums and the curiosity they sparked in me. I was always wondering who was in the picture, how they looked back then, and why they were in that place at that moment. I found myself trying to thread together my family’s story, piecing together the connections between people, places, and time.

Even now, I think not just about individual stories but about how all of our stories are woven together. That interconnectedness fascinates me.

I’m also drawn to filmmaking because it is so interdisciplinary. There are no strict rules. The real joy comes from doing something different, thinking differently, and finding new ways to tell stories.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the real struggle is having faith in yourself to start a project or see it through, because no one is really going to hold your hand to get to the finish line. There’s also the stress of constructing a team, building trust, and maintaining commitment. You’re bringing something into the world, and you have to sort of raise and shape it. Then, once it’s shown to the world, you have to let it live its own life, allowing viewers to form their own ideas and opinions, which I think is just as important.

There’s really no room for imposter syndrome, but sometimes you still feel guilty for having it. You just have to stay strong and trust that it will work itself out. I think I’ve learned to free-write about the urgency of the project, the reasons why I’m doing it, and the importance always reveals itself. Once that happens, I’m ready to go.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m primarily a filmmaker with a focus on celebrating Indigenous life, especially in connection to environmental justice. One of my proudest achievements was creating a short film for my undergraduate thesis, which I was fortunate enough to share with audiences around the world—the biggest one being Sundance.That project gave me the chance to show what Indigenous life looks like in South Louisiana, from a perspective rooted in lived experience.

I believe environmental stories should be told by the people who are actually experiencing them. Too often in film, there’s a kind of environmental exploitation where stories are told simply because the situation seems dramatic or urgent, but without real connection to the people or place. For me, what sets my work apart is that it comes from my own community, from stories and environments I know personally. That connection is at the heart of everything I create.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think you just can’t be afraid to reach out and communicate. Some of the best connections I’ve made have come from simply introducing myself, asking questions, or sharing what I’m working on. People are often more open and generous than you’d expect, especially when they see genuine interest and intention.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mariahhfitch.com
• Instagram: @punktactics