Directors’ Statement

MOST OF OUR WORK IS DRIVEN BY A DESIRE and need to understand how communities—complex “characters” themselves—face threats and build resilience, intricate microcosms of national and global social scenarios. Gaining intimate access to a wide spectrum of individuals with diverse backgrounds and often divergent belief systems, we present stories that compel audience engagement and critical thinking.

As with many of our other films, Refuge portrays a community at risk—but this time it’s our own, making it our most personal and most difficult film to realize. As participating members of the Harney County community, we share this public square with many neighbors and friends. While risking loss of both objectivity and our sense of belonging, we’ve never flagged in our commitment to telling this complex story. We take inspiration from our amazing and diverse cast—even those with whom we disagree—for offering time and sharing views. We’ll work to match their courage, conviction, and tenacity with this series.

The Team

AS AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS, we present films drawn from personal experience, years of research, and close observation.

For Refuge, our dual residency for more than three decades in Harney County and Portland, Oregon offers a unique perspective into the “urban-rural divide” that has reached a national political boiling point. Holding front-row seats during the refuge occupation, our clear analysis of this event, its broader context, and potential for solutions informs our complex and nuanced storytelling.

Refuge expands on a body of our work focused on community resilience and championing diversity, including two feature documentaries and nearly 30 independent and commissioned short films.

SUE ARBUTHNOT

Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor

I’m a documentary filmmaker, earning an MFA in Film from Columbia University and a BFA in Sculpture from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland. I’ve received numerous film grants including the Pacific Pioneer Fund and an Oregon Media Arts Fellowship and taught Film Production at the Northwest Film Center in Portland. I also served as Board VP of Women in Film, Portland, and co-founded Oregon Doc Camp, a retreat for experienced documentary makers.

RICHARD WILHELM

Producer, Director, Sound, Aerials, Stills, Editor

Before starting Hare in the Gate Productions with Sue in 1999, I had a long career in design and photography. After receiving my MFA in Visual Design and Photography at the University of Oregon, I opened a design studio in Seattle and directed it for 14 years. My clients were primarily in the medical, software, and conservation fields. I’ve taught photography and design at two colleges and in numerous workshops, and my work has been widely exhibited and published.