Conservationist, underwater cinematographer, and impact producer Tessa Skiles has been immersed in conservation since childhood, first appearing in her father Wes Skiles' films before building her own career at the intersection of storytelling and environmental advocacy. In this conversation, Tessa shares her journey from growing up in Florida's springs to producing iconic films that inspire love and action around groundwater, land conservation, and our deep connection to wild Florida.
The conversation goes beyond filmmaking as Tessa opens up about transforming a deeply personal story into an impact documentary, one rooted in loss, legacy, healing, and the interconnectedness of land and water. She also offers insight of the feature documentary currently in development and discusses the importance of building partnerships and bringing diverse perspectives together to scale the message of land-to-water connectivity far beyond Florida.
Listeners will also hear about Tessa's involvement in the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation's upcoming expedition film as a guide and her role in a forthcoming documentary series exploring the Southeastern United States. More to come on those films this fall!
This is one of our most personal conversations to date. We're grateful to Tessa for her openness and willingness to share experiences that are both deeply vulnerable and profoundly hopeful.
About Tessa
Tessa Skiles is a conservationist, underwater photographer, cinematographer, and impact producer whose work reveals the beauty and vulnerability of groundwater and freshwater ecosystems. Her film credits include American Amazon (PBS Nature), The Fellowship of the Springs, Protect Our Paradise, and Day Zero. Beyond filmmaking, she develops educational programs and impact campaigns that connect communities to conservation through compelling, science-based storytelling.
Tessa is also the daughter of the late Wes Skiles, a legendary cave diver, filmmaker, and conservation pioneer whose work helped protect Florida's springs and whose legacy continues through the conservation movement today.
Learn more about Tessa, her films, and Karst Productions in the links below:
