University of California, Santa Barbara

Across the mediums of animation in search of a missing hero.

An empty student neighborhood. A deserted college. A windy day at the beach. Pau and Gerard go to study abroadly near the Pacific, at twelve hours of distance from their homes. Through text messages between them and their families, their new student lifes are suddenly interrupted because of the expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A look into UCSB's infamous 'Deltopia' via the sorrowful eyes of an Instagram filter.

Beyond Access takes us on a journey with young Afro-Latina ocean explorer and storyteller, Xochitl Clare, on her quest to champion equal access to the great outdoors. The film centers her discussions on the next generation of leaders and practitioners who are diversifying outdoor spaces. It also highlights the importance of allyship in ensuring that underserved and historically marginalized youth and families are able to rebuild a sense of belonging in nature.