Directors of "The Sacred Place Where Life Begins"

KRISTIN GATES: I moved to Alaska's Arctic when I was 23 years old. Before arriving to the last frontier, I dedicated my life to embracing America's wildest and most remote areas. I became the youngest woman to complete the Triple Crown of thru-hiking [Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail] and I had experienced most of the wilderness areas in our country. I thought I knew what wilderness was, but as I stood at the edge of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for the first time, I understood this place is something completely different and unique. This is real wilderness. When I was 25, I became the first woman to trek solo across the Brooks Range and during that trip, I was lucky enough to walk across the trail-less Refuge. The experience completely changed my life. I became more focused on dedicating my energy to showcasing America's wildest areas and how best to continually protect them. While alone in the Refuge, I encountered the Porcupine Caribou Herd Migration pouring through valleys as they traveled north to the calving grounds followed by grizzly bears and wolves. I followed the paths of these incredible animals and the experiences were the holiest and most inspiring I'd ever seen. This is one of the last ecologically intact places on the planet. It must be protected.

JEREMY LÀ Zelle: Jeremy Là Zelle travels around the world filming and documenting exciting projects for TV Networks, Nations, NGOs, Charities, and Businesses who make a positive social impact on their communities. Jeremy has written, directed, & produced for National Geographic Channel, History Channel, Animal Planet, incredible nations such as the Kingdom of Bhutan, Kingdom of Eswatini, Ethiopia, Peru, and many more.

With Expedition ANWR, Jeremy hopes to showcase and highlight the leaders of the Gwich'in Nation and the magnificent beauty of the area's flora and fauna.