Why Am I Producing
Finding America’s Darling?
1. Celebration of Legacy: Ding Darling was a prominent conservationist and cartoonist known for his advocacy for wildlife protection and environmental preservation. A film celebrating his life and contributions will honor his legacy and raise awareness about the importance of conservation, stewardship, and the wise use of our natural resource. This film is a reminder to protect for the future what previous generations have preserved for us.
It is a testament to many who have remained grateful, humble, and humane. This film is a reminder to protect for the future what previous generations have preserved for us. It is a testament to many who have remained grateful, humble, and humane.
2. Educational Value: The film will serve as an educational tool, informing audiences about Darling’s work, the history of conservation efforts in the United States, and the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife and natural habitats. It will inspire future generations to engage in environmental stewardship. This is not a biography. This has been done with the award-winning America’s Darling: The Story of Jay N. “Ding” Darling, which I produced and released in 2012.
I now have an additional 13 years of research and discovery to add to our new film!
3. Cultural Significance: Darling’s influence extends beyond conservation; he was also a significant figure in American art and journalism. The film will explore his impact on these fields, showcasing how his art and activism intersected. The film serves as a means for stewardship and the preservation of institutional knowledge for future generations, including the Jay N. Darling Institute at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
4. Community Engagement: Producing the film will foster community involvement, bringing together local artists, historians, and conservationists. It is also meant to serve as a platform for community discussions about current environmental issues and the importance of local conservation efforts.
5. Commemoration Events: The release of the film will coincide with various events celebrating Darling’s 150th birthday, creating a focal point for festivities and attracting visitors. This could boost local tourism and economic activity. The film will be screened at The Wildlife Society Conference in Des Moines in November 2026. Screenings are being scheduled currently in Canada, Europe and the US.
6. Inspiration for Action: By highlighting Darling’s passion and commitment to conservation, the film will motivate viewers to take action in their own communities, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply becoming more aware of environmental issues.
7. Artistic Expression: The film will be a creative exploration of Darling’s visionary thinking, life’s challenges, leadership and humor through the lives of people today who have been inspired and affected by Darling’s work. It will engage audiences emotionally and intellectually, making this story accessible to a wider audience. This film is also a bridge to the feature film project that has been in development over the past several years.
Overall, Finding America’s Darling will not only commemorate a significant milestone in Ding Darling’s life but also serve as a catalyst for ongoing conversations about conservation and environmental responsibility. This is my last documentary for Jay, and my team and I are committed to creating another award-winning project. Wait until you see what we have in store for you!
Samuel Koltinsky
Executive Producer and Composer, Finding America’s Darling
Please contact me if you are interested in screening the film:
sam@jayndarlinglegacy.org