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The Careist


Global conservation is full of shinier objects like Ocean Plastics, Melting Ice Caps and Rainforest Depletion. The wetlands of Southern Illinois needed a heartfelt story to raise awareness of the state’s often forgotten natural resources that feel so far removed from its largest city, Chicago

Between the Ohio and Mississippi riverbanks sit the United States' 15th International Wetland of Importance. Yet, the wetlands today are mere remnants of their original borders. Max Hutchison is a naturalist, ecologist, zoologist, and lifelong voice for preserving the wetlands he also calls home. The Careist is an ode to Max, a way of life, and a natural area long overlooked and daring to disappear forever.

  • Matthew Boyd Williams
    Director
  • Matthew Boyd Williams
    Writer
  • Alex Fagin
    Producer
  • Matthew Boyd Williams
    Producer
  • Ryan Meyer
    Producer
  • Max Hutchison
    Key Cast
  • Rickie Ross
    Cinematographer
  • Ryan Meyer
    Editorial
  • Brent Johnson
    Original Music
  • Clark Griffiths
    Color
  • Ryan Doggendorf
    Designer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    documentary, environmental, conservation, outdoors, nature
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 11, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Matthew Boyd Williams

A native of rural Southern Illinois, Matthew Boyd first ventured into filmmaking after cutting together a handful of home videos and photos on the family iPad. Finding his way into commercial filmmaking in 2018, Matthew has brought a dose of humanity to some of America's largest brands. Today, Matthew writes for the creative agency Carmichael Lynch while developing and directing documentary films for brands and festival audiences.

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Director Statement

The Careist is the story of Max Hutchison. A quiet hero from the 1,000-person town I grew up in. I've known Max most of my life, and it's a story I've carried and dreamed of for years. After Max released his book, it felt like time could be running out. When I moved away from Southern Illinois, I left behind the Southern Appalachia-inspired culture and ways of looking at life. Ironically, as I've gotten older and through making this film, those are the exact things I cherish most.

Making this film had its challenges; we had little to no budget beyond what we collected from the names in the credits. To make the film, we slept in my childhood bedroom, used equipment we had on hand, and ate meals my mom prepared as we filmed in the swamp and on Max's property, 15 miles away. Everything in this film was captured within roughly a 10-mile radius, which I think is unique for these types of stories.

My hope for those watching this film is that for a little over 9 minutes, they embrace a story that defies today's cultural norms and catch a glimpse of Max's vision for life and our world. I also want to draw awareness to Southern Illinois, a truly hidden gem within conservation and outdoor spaces.

More than anything, I hope people watch this film and decide to become a Careist themselves, that they would notice a hill, a cave, or a slough. Wherever this film plays, there is room for more Careists in our world.