"Re-wilding the planet only works if we re-wild our souls."
Gavin “Wild” Shwahla is an award-winning filmmaker, award-winning photographer, and environmentalist with a background in wildlife biology and conservation. His work is driven by a burning passion for the natural world and the idea of rewilding the planet by rewilding our souls.
Gavin earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Science from Paul Smith’s College in New York, where he honed his expertise in environmental research and communications. He also served as a Research Assistant for two field seasons at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado.
As a filmmaker, Gavin’s notable work includes Wood Vibrations, which earned accolades from SmodCastle Film Festival, IndieFilmopolis, and the award for “Best Homegrown Documentary Short” at the Garden State Film Festival. His other short films have shared impactful stories about different environmental issues and organizations, including his video Topsail Island: A Ballad of the Wild and Serene, which was pivotal in halting the proposed development at Serenity Point on Topsail Island, NC. He is also an IDA Fiscal Sponsorship Awardee for his current feature-length documentary, Tommy’s Island.
Gavin’s photography focuses on sharing the beauty of nature and is published in notable outlets, including The Wildlife Professional and The Apollos. He has also contributed photography to campaigns by Save Barnegat Bay and NC Coastal Land Trust. In addition, his work received the first place award in two of the four categories (scenes & people) of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation's Annual Photo Contest (2024) and received honorable mentions in both categories as well.
Beyond his creative work, Gavin remains a dedicated champion for the environment. He’s always finding new ways to use his creativity to get involved in different issues, such as climate action, land preservation, wildlife conservation, and social equality. His work is deeply spiritual, and he remains a passionate advocate for “rewilding your soul” by spending time in nature, connecting with the land, and learning to appreciate the beauty of our planet.
  • Producer (3 Credits)
    Wild Blue and You: The Save Coastal Wildlife Story2024
    Documentary, Short
    Topsail Island: A Ballad of the Wild and Serene2023
    Documentary, Short
    Wood Vibrations2021
    Documentary, Short
  • Director (3 Credits)
    Wild Blue and You: The Save Coastal Wildlife Story2024
    Documentary, Short
    Topsail Island: A Ballad of the Wild and Serene2023
    Documentary, Short
    Wood Vibrations2021
    Documentary, Short
  • Writer (2 Credits)
    Wild Blue and You: The Save Coastal Wildlife Story2024
    Documentary, Short
    Wood Vibrations2021
    Documentary, Short
Official Selection
Wood Vibrations
20th Annual Garden State Film Festival
Asbury Park, NJ
2022
College
Paul Smith's College
Wildlife Science
20162019
High School
Point Pleasant Beach High School
20122016
Birth Date
July 17, 1998
Nickname
Gavin Wild
Birth City
Red Bank, NJ
Current City
Point Pleasant, NJ
Hometown
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Gender
Male
Ethnicity
white
Eye Color
Blue
Zodiac Sign
Cancer
"To rewild the planet we must rewild our souls." - Gavin Shwahla
"Science informs the world, but stories change it." - Gavin Shwahla
"It's not, living an extraordinary life to be happy... it's about trying to smile in more moment's than less, and that will lead to an extraordinary life." - Gavin Shwahla
"Reality is made up of the stories we tell. The ones we tell ourselves and each other... so, make it a positive one." - Gavin Shwahla
Favortie Quotes from Idols:
"Be less impressed, more involved." - Matthew McConaughey
"You gotta let it out! You hold it in, you'll explode!" - Robin Williams as Ramon in Happy Feet
"That's how you find you're purity...just trust." - Kenny Wilkinson
"You could look at climate change as a burden, yes...or you could see it as an opportunity - that you get to do something about it." - Curt Stager
"Re-wilding the planet only works if we re-wild our souls."
Complete the captcha to finish sign up. Cancel