Documentary by Elon juniors wins Best Nature award

Produced by Jared Mayerson ’20 and Jordan Shaw ’20, “Leaving the Nest” was recognized at the second annual Marquee on Main Film Festival held in Washington, North Carolina. The seven-minute documentary tells the story of a family that lives in yurts – portable, round tents.

Jared Mayerson ’20 attended the Marquee on Main Film Festival held Jan. 12 in Washington, North Carolina, where the documentary he produced with Jordan Shaw ’20 was recognized.
Leaving the Nest,” a short documentary created by Jared Mayerson ’20 and Jordan Shaw ’20, won best film in the Nature category at the Marquee on Main Film Festival, held Jan. 12 in Washington, North Carolina.

Produced as part of the elondocs program, the seven-minute film chronicles Hal Jackson, Asia Laurel and their daughter, Emilia, and the family's unique home life just outside of Asheville. The family lives in yurts, which are circular tents most commonly found in rural locations.

The film was screened during the second annual festival, which was held at the historic Turnage Theatre located 30 minutes east of Greensville. The theater dates back to 1913 and underwent signficant renovations about a decade ago. Mayerson, a cinema and televisions arts major, attended the festival.

​For more about “Leaving the Nest,” read this November release highlighting the film’s selection for the Green Screen Environmental Film Festival in Trinidad and Tobago.