Screening Information

Saturday, March 28, 2026
Start Time: 3:43 PM
Runtime: 46 minutes
Location: Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center
50 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201

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Film Description

The HAWK WATCH Documentary follows a dedicated group of citizen scientists working to protect the migration of the Swainson’s Hawk in Southern California. Set against the fragile desert environment of Borrego Springs, the film captures the efforts of passionate conservationists—known as the “Hawksters”—as they track and study these endangered raptors. Facing challenges such as aging volunteers, climate change, development pressures, and the unpredictability of nature, the team strives to build a lasting legacy of conservation for future generations.

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Director:

Alicia Wszelaki and Matthew Nothelfer are independent filmmakers and visual creatives based in Borrego Springs, California. Both have worked in the media industry since the 1980s and share a passion for nature storytelling and documentary filmmaking. Their work has taken them around the world, filming on nearly every continent—from Japan and Norway to Chile and Morocco. With The HAWK WATCH Documentary, they aim to highlight grassroots conservation efforts and inspire audiences to appreciate and protect the natural world.