Under the Same Sun

A poetic documentary following a team of pollinator researchers as they observe and document insects, revealing how small acts of care can shape the way people relate to the natural world. 

Statement from our director, Fiona McReynolds:

This film grew out of my experience documenting community scientists who carry immense passion and drive for their work. Spending time alongside them, I often felt the desire to put my camera down and pick up a shovel. I want this film to be a window into the unseen lives of these people, who are taking both small and big steps to ensure our world- and future generations- are cared for. 

Your donation: 

Gear Rentals: Funding specialized macro-lenses and high-resolution field gear to capture the unseen details of the pollinator world. 

Locations: Securing access to ecologically significant locations.

Marketing & Distribution: Budgeting for festival submissions, trailers, and strategic marketing.

Catering: Providing meals to keep the crew invigorated during production.

Contingency Fund: Covering unexpected expenses to keep the production on track.

**ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE. The California State University Northridge Foundation is a CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION 501 (C)(3) PUBLIC BENEFIT CALIFORNIA CORPORATION** 

Crew Bios

                         Fiona McReynolds, Director

I am a documentary student filmmaker based out of Ventura County. As an avid surfer, I’m deeply inspired by the nature that surrounds me, and I aim to focus my work on our connection to the natural world. I’m drawn to tactile, textural storytelling, frequently blending 8mm film, graphic design, poetry, and digital imagery to create layered and immersive films.

Matthias Zafra, Producer

I am a documentary film student based in Pasadena, with an emphasis in producing. I believe in the importance of capturing reality as it is. I believe in finding grandiose ideas within mundanity.  My dream is to work in live media for combat sports particularly.

Malik Draper, Director of Photography

I’m a documentary and photography student from the San Fernando Valley. I’ve always had an attraction to cameras and the stories that can be told by them in a single picture. I believe the best stories are the ones based on reality, and I would love to share stories from real people to the rest of the world.

Efrain Zelaya, DP and 2nd Camera

I am a Documentary film student based in South Central, Los Angeles. I love shooting verite, capturing nature and training my eyes to find those images that can tell stories without words. I would like to create work that is socially conscious and questions the normalcy of social inequality and possibly ignites action that knocks the doors for a more equitable society. 

Wes Lassiter, Sound
I am a documentary filmmaking student from the Inland Empire. I believe that sound within films connect us to the subject and each other. My goal as a sound recordist is to connect those watching to meaningful stories. 

Adam Castro, Editor 

I am a documentary filmmaking student from Palmdale California. I have been editing since high school and it is a passion of mine that I continue to practice. I love to edit picture and make all the elements in filmmaking connect to each other.

Jevon Ross, Assistant Editor/DIT

I’m a documentary production student from southern California. I’m most passionate about cinematography and editing digital media, while also becoming well-rounded and proficient in many aspects of production and post-production. My goal is to have a career in live sports media production after graduating in May 2026.

Social media:

Give us a follow to stay up-to-date on our production and get exclusive BTS content.

@underthesamesunfilm

Thank you for your support

On behalf of the cast and crew of, we are eternally grateful for any contribution that helps bring this film to life. It truly takes a village, and we’re so lucky you’re a part of it!

For inquiries, please reach out to the director or one of our producers:

Director: Fiona McReynolds, fionamcreynolds@gmail.com

Producer: Matthias Zafra, matthias.zafra.020@my.csun.edu