How Bitterbrush Captured a Rarely Seen Side of the American West

Emelie Mahdavian knew the time was now. The documentary filmmaker was on the precipice of making her second documentary feature. It would be a demanding shoot: months out in remote Idaho, at high altitudes, shooting on horseback, and hiking—so much hiking. And Mahdavian was eight months pregnant. If she postponed, she would have to wait another year for the stars to align again. She had a choice to make. “I was like, I’m making this film!” Mahdavian says. “I knew it was the only time.” The result? Bitterbrush, a sweeping, sumptuous look at the lives of Hollyn Patterson and Colie… Read Full Article