In the heart of Costa Rica’s remote landscapes, a group of conservationists quietly work to preserve some of the world’s most endangered species. These unsung heroes, featured in the documentary Your Everyday Heroes of Costa Rica, dedicate their lives to protecting birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife. Directed by Hernán Salcedo and produced by Albert Crane, the film captures the beauty of Costa Rica’s biodiversity while shining a spotlight on the individuals striving to safeguard it. What began as a series of short documentary episodes evolved into a 25-minute feature, showcasing the remarkable conservation efforts happening in one of the most ecologically diverse regions of the world.
The Evolution of Your Everyday Heroes
Albert Crane initially envisioned the project as a series of standalone docu-series episodes for their website, www.youreverydayheroes.com. Each episode would run for about ten minutes, focusing on individuals who were making an impact in their communities. However, after wrapping the shoot in Costa Rica, Crane saw the potential for something bigger. This decision to consolidate the episodes into a feature-length documentary not only allowed for a deeper exploration of the conservation efforts but also strengthened the narrative. It became more than just a collection of stories—it evolved into a cohesive film about the power of community and ecological stewardship.
The Heroes of Santa Teresa
At the heart of the documentary are three individuals whose work exemplifies the spirit of conservation in Costa Rica. Vernon Arias, a bird conservationist, works to protect endangered scarlet macaws. Tracey Lemon and Jeremy Levine, though not natives of Costa Rica, have dedicated themselves to protecting local wildlife. Jeremy works to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals affected by human encroachment, while Tracey focuses on preserving sea turtles. Their shared mission to protect wildlife made them ideal subjects for the film. As director Hernán Salcedo explains, “There are heroes everywhere. When I arrived in Costa Rica, I realized how isolated Santa Teresa is. Its inhabitants look after each other, and there’s a strong ecological vibe in a natural environment.”
Salcedo’s discovery of these conservationists was the result of both research and local connections. Initially, he planned to highlight a different project but was quickly introduced to others working in the same area. This organic process of meeting individuals like Vernon, Tracey, and Jeremy allowed for a more authentic portrayal of their work and their collaboration in the fight to preserve endangered species.
Balancing Emotion and Fact in Storytelling
One of the most compelling aspects of Your Everyday Heroes is its ability to balance the emotional struggles of the conservationists with the factual challenges facing endangered species. Conservation is often an uphill battle, filled with setbacks and frustrations. Yet, the documentary never strays into despair. Instead, it focuses on the resilience and determination of these everyday heroes.
Salcedo’s approach to storytelling plays a significant role in maintaining this balance. He consciously chose to let the heroes tell their own stories, without the use of voiceovers or heavy-handed narration. “When I edited the three of them, they went through the same narrative curve, so it was easy to weave them into a dialogue that feels like a single voice,” Salcedo explains. This technique not only humanizes the conservationists but also emphasizes the universality of their challenges and triumphs.
Albert Crane, as the producer, gave Salcedo the creative freedom to approach the story in this way. The result is a documentary that feels personal and intimate, allowing the audience to connect with the heroes on a deeper level.
Visual Storytelling: A Unique Cinematic Style
Visually, Your Everyday Heroes stands out for its distinctive aesthetic. Salcedo’s cinematographic choices were heavily influenced by his background and personal history. Before heading to Costa Rica, he had been in Ecuador, where he developed an affinity for a vintage, analog look. “I wanted a vintage look,” he says. “I love analog, and these lenses give a unique color and bokeh.” The lenses he used were inherited from his mother, a photographer in the 1970s. By adapting them to his Red Raven camera, Salcedo was able to give the film a nostalgic, cinematic feel that sets it apart from typical wildlife documentaries.
Key moments, such as the release of endangered macaws and sea turtle eggs, are captured with a blend of awe and urgency. The beauty of Costa Rica’s landscapes—the jungles, beaches, and oceans—provides a stunning backdrop, while the intimate shots of the wildlife create an emotional connection to the species being protected. This combination of natural beauty and intimate storytelling gives the documentary a powerful visual identity.
Tackling Human Impact Without Alienation
The documentary also addresses the complex issue of human impact on the environment, a subject that can be polarizing. However, Salcedo and Crane were careful to avoid alienating the audience or casting blame. Instead, they focus on solutions and hope. “Humans are already villainized enough,” says Salcedo. “Talking only about the negative stagnates us. We need solutions and to spread them so that more people get involved.”
This approach is refreshing in a genre that often leans into doom and gloom. By showcasing the efforts of individuals who are actively working to make a difference, Your Everyday Heroes provides a message of hope and empowerment. The documentary suggests that meaningful change is possible, even in the face of overwhelming challenges, and that small, everyday actions can add up to significant impact.
Logistical Challenges in Remote Filming
Filming in the remote town of Santa Teresa posed several logistical challenges for the crew. The town is isolated, with limited infrastructure and access to resources. The journey to Santa Teresa was long and complicated, involving a drive from Cuenca to Guayaquil, a flight to San José, and a ferry ride to the small town. Yet, for Salcedo, the isolation was part of the town’s charm. “At 5 in the morning, we were woken up by howler monkeys instead of roosters,” he recalls, highlighting the closeness to wildlife that made the experience so special.
The crew also had to navigate filming in close proximity to wildlife, ensuring that they captured the animals’ natural behaviors without disturbing them. Working closely with the conservationists allowed the filmmakers to gain access to areas that would have been difficult to reach otherwise. In many ways, the heroes not only provided the narrative for the documentary but also guided the filmmakers through the logistical complexities of working in such a remote and ecologically sensitive area.
A Call to Action
Your Everyday Heroes is more than just a documentary—it’s a call to action. Salcedo and Crane hope that viewers will be inspired by the stories of Vernon, Tracey, Jeremy, and others like them, and take steps to protect the environment in their own lives. Salcedo sums up his hopes for the film: “I would like this documentary to serve as a bridge between heroes, so that they can share knowledge and support each other.”
By focusing on the positive efforts being made to protect wildlife, Your Everyday Heroes encourages its audience to view conservation as something accessible and achievable. The heroes featured in the documentary are everyday people who have chosen to make a difference. In doing so, they remind us that even small, individual actions can lead to significant change. As Crane notes, “If you believe in something, there is nothing stopping you from making your vision possible.” Through their film, Crane and Salcedo invite us all to become everyday heroes in our own right, contributing to the preservation of our planet, one step at a time.