Meet Tehya Jennett

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tehya Jennett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tehya, what do you attribute your success to?
I’m lucky enough to do what I love, and having passion for my work has to be the most important factor in my own personal drive and success. In finding my own path career wise, I always knew climate justice had to be an integral part of my work. I feel most fulfilled when I’m helping imagine and create a more just and livable future, and I believe storytelling plays a huge role in doing that. By focusing Stranded Astronaut Productions on bringing stories that we need to hear – stories about those on the frontlines of the climate crisis, stories of solutions, of communities, of love, and sometimes just good old fashioned fun – we’re part of a larger movement working to communicate the climate crisis. To us, success is anytime we’re able to introduce someone to a new issue, give voice to a community, or maybe even provide a little tangible hope amidst a sea of bad news. Staying true to our values keeps us passionate and going strong as individuals and a collective production studio.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a climate storyteller, my work typically revolves around some of the most pressing issues of our time. I went to school for Environmental Studies, originally with the plan to study law, but quickly fell in love with film and the potential for climate communication through media. I ended up writing my college thesis on the impact of environmental films on audience awareness, and have been working professionally at the intersection of art and the environment since graduating.

After college, I started focusing more on building Stranded Astronaut Productions, which had previously acted as an umbrella for Co-Owner Maxfield’s independent films. At that time, climate storytelling was a brand new concept and it’s still a pretty small group working specifically in that space. Sometimes it’s nice because you tend to see a lot of friendly faces!

Over the last few years, we’ve created a number of independent short films – from documentaries on climate disasters to eco horror shorts. We’ve screened at film festivals like the Climate Film Fest NYC and Hawaii International Film Festival, as well as in climate spaces like COP28. It’s shown that films focusing on climate issues are not just needed, but wanted and can exist in a variety of professional environments. We’re bridging the gap between the climate space and arts and media.

On a more personal note, I also had my first individual art show this year displaying paintings that touched on my own emotional responses to the climate crisis as a young person fighting for my future. As a collective, we hosted an art gallery as part of the first ever LA Climate Week and saw a huge mix of artists working in this space. While it might still get a smaller mix of people, we certainly aren’t alone, and I hope to continue to see more faces working in this intersection.

My most recent project has been producing the short documentary Healing Lahaina, which is premiering at Hawai’i International Film Festival and kicking off its film impact campaign now!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I always start my perfect LA day at a little bakery in Frogtown called Just What I Kneaded. They have the best pastries in Los Angeles and they’re fully plant based, which is a plus for the planet! Then you can head right down the street to the LA River Walk (yes, LA has a river). Extra extra plus – they also have a wine bar in the back with live jazz on Sunday nights.

Another hidden gem is Muddy Paws in Eagle Rock, which has a mini dog park in the back. This is my go to spot for getting work done when I feel bad my dog hasn’t been out enough!

My go to spot for following up on that “let’s grab a coffee sometime” promise is Stories in Silverlake. They have a great book selection and back patio.

I love the art that LA has to offer, and would absolutely recommend a (free!) trip to the Broad and MOCA in downtown. Driving can be a drag in LA, so you can actually very easily take the metro system to downtown!

If you want a little more nature, Ferndell trail at Griffith Park is a favorite for a shaded short walk. For more of a challenge take the hike up to Griffith and maybe even see a planetarium show!

And for a late night snack hit up Doomie’s in Hollywood – a restaurant single handedly fighting the “vegan food can only be healthy” allegations.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout my partner in crime and Co-Owner of Stranded Astronaut Productions, Maxfield Biggs. This is the person who very patiently taught me how to use a camera and how to not accidentally delete an entire project in Adobe Premiere, and who is always there when I have another unhinged idea that will no doubt take at least a few all nighters to pull off. Maxfield is the reason I felt secure in calling myself an artist, and I feel so lucky to work alongside them everyday.

Website: Strandedastronaut.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tehya.jennett/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tehya-jennett