The Careist

The Cariest explores the importance of the interior American Wetlands through the eyes and experiences of Max Hutchison, a lifelong naturalist, ecologist, zoologist, and voice for preserving the forgotten land he calls home. The Careist is an ode to Max, a way of life, and a universal invitation to be more like him—to care.

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.

Director/EP: Matthew Boyd
Producer: Alex Fagin
DP: Rickie Ross
Editor: Ryan Meyer
Colorist: Clark Griffiths
Original music: Brent Johnson

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.