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.