Robert Thorp Lundahl

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Robert Lundahl, Filmmaker, Journalist

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(See Summary at end)

Robert Lundahl, as an artist, and as a citizen stands for Human Rights and the Environment. With these words he introduces each episode of Creative FRONTLINE ongoing on KPFK Radio, Los Angeles.. He stands also for freedom of inquiry and freedom of expression as demonstrated by his films.

Robert Lundahl stands against racism, authoritarianism, and fascism. His father, Herbert Thorp Lundahl, was a Williams College History Major and later, a US Navy Deck Commander who landed on the beach in the D-Day invasion beginning America's involvement in World War II. Herbert became a Republican and a banker. Robert's mother, Archa, a Democrat, had studied at Sarah Lawrence College in the Bronx, during the 1930's. She read Psychology and enjoyed Comparative Mythology, taught at Sarah Lawrence by Joseph Campbell. Family dinners could be contentious, particularly during the Vietnam War. Robert graduated from the University of Oregon, School of Architecture and Allied Arts, where Dean, David Foster and Professor, Robert Kostka had matriculated from The New Bauhaus in Chicago, bringing its famous art and design methodology to Oregon. Robert received a 5 year professioal BFA from U of O,

Robert Lundahl is an American documentary filmmaker and journalist ^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]} who, according to IMDb, is known for three independent motion picture features, "Unconquering the Last Frontier,"^[23] "Song on the Water," and "Who Are My People?"^[24] Each harkens back to evenings spent watching Campbell's "The Power of Myth" on PBS.

Robert was born in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, and lived there during the 1950's and 1960's as a child. It was a time of heavy air pollution due to post war development. Lundahl played high school football and remembers the goalpost at the other end of the field would appear hazy

He was prone to allergies and resperatory illnesses and his mother insisted the family vacation at Twentynine Palms, in the high desert each year, "Because the air is clean." Lundahl recalls looking to the East to the mountains located in Joshua Tree National Park, and as a nine year old, wanting to hike toward and over them to see what and who might be on the other side. This reminiscence would become one of the opening scenes or "journalistic entry points" to his later feature documentary film, "Who Are My People?" (2015).

Following a career working as a commercial filmmaker in Silicon Valley and around the world, this would represent a homecoming of sorts. Upon return he did venture over the mountains, where he met Alfredo Acosta Figueroa (Yaqui/Chemehuevi), colleague and compadre of Cesar Chavez, head of the UFW, United Farm Workers. Together and along with La Cuna de Aztlan Sacred Sites Protection Circle^[25], they would file a legal challenge to several large solar facilities scheduled to be built on "pristine desert ecosystems", and, on, around or nearby Native American sacred sites. Asked if he wanted "Whistleblower Status," Lundahl deferred, saying instead, he would serve as Figueroa's (volunteer) "PR guy." He wrote the first press release^[26] about the litigation, which was picked up by AP, and published by over 150 outlets, including this one in the Canadian Arctic, also included are those rewritten by Naoki Schwartz and Jason Dearen for Associated Press.

The film, "Who Are My People?" reflects and became the story of the lawsuit, as written in script form and following unpredictable developments, behind the scenes of the build-out of some of the largest solar projects in the world. Later, he would collaborate with Figueroa's cousin, Chemehuevi Hereditary Chief, Mathew Leivas Sr. to investigate water marketing schemes in the California deserts for Creative FRONTLINE on KPFK, Los Angeles (volunteer), after an invitation from Interim General Manager Michael Novick. The effort was instrumental in affecting Policy Change. City Watch LA stated in December, 2024, Environmental Coalition Earns Win Over Predatory Water Company. Morongo Basin Conservation Association states, "Tribal perspectives^[27] inform coverage of desert water issues by KPFK's Creative FRONTLINE program, such as this podcast that includes dialogue with MBCA Director Pat Flanagan."

Lundahl is Producer of over 70 Creative FRONTLINE™ Cinema Verite Radio Documentaries^{[28][29][30][31][32]} on KPFK Los Angeles 90.7.

"Unconquering the Last Frontier"^{[33][34][35][36]}

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Narrated by Gary Farmer^[37][38] and scored by Tony Saunders, “Unconquering the Last Frontier” (2001) explores the causes and effects of the ongoing salmon crisis in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on the Elwha River. The film was shot on 16 mm. film and digitally re-mastered in 2K and 4K in 2025.

"Unconquering the Last Frontier" is a documentary film by Robert Lundahl that tells the story of the Elwha River dam removal project in Washington State. The film focuses on the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe's struggle to survive in the shadow of hydroelectric development and their fight to restore the river's ecosystem and fisheries^[39].

It highlights the injustices faced by the tribe and the complex politics surrounding dam removal. The film also explores the broader themes of Native American rights, resource management, and the impact of dam building on ecosystems and communities.

Focus on the Elwha River:

The documentary centers on the Elwha River and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe's efforts to remove the dams and restore the river's ecological integrity.

"Song on the Water"^[40][41]

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In what has grown to become a yearly tradition, aboriginal communities of western Washington and the coastal and inland waterways of British Columbia participate in sea voyages in ancient dugout canoes carved from cedar. This is the story of one such voyage, and what it means to the "pullers," ground crews, and elders who share the waves, the traditions, and a vision of a positive future for Coast Salish youth (2005). Zeiden Media distributed nationwide. The film was shot on DV–CAM Widescreen and digitally re-mastered in 2K and 4K in 2025 using AI tools.

"Who Are My People?"^{[42][43][44][45][46][47][48]}

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In the Mojave desert, the world’s energy companies converge to produce power. They’ve destroyed ecosystems, migrating birds, tortoise, and sacred places from ancient civilizations. The LA Times indicates, we are at a “Flashpoint” between competing value-systems. Bodies have been exhumed, and geoglyphs destroyed, in an area that is a long-term indigenous settlement.

“Who Are My People?” depicts how the world’s energy firms have met their match in a small group of Native American elders, in the hottest desert on the planet.

Digital Journey

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Lundahl was a commerial filmmaker and Director for many years, particularly as regards client Sun Microsystems, where according to colleague Doug Girvin^[49] he "documented the phenomenal growth of the company."^[50] He received numerous awards including the Northern California Emmy® for Direction, Tape, Digital Journey Composite KCSM/Robert Lundahl & Assoc. Robert T Lundahl, Director.

The Digital Journey: Stories From a Networked Planet Series was produced from 1998 to 2001. It was distributed to over 80 cities by Zeiden Media. Featured were advanced technologies and implementations at that time. Seen on PBS, TVO Canada, CCTV China, CNN Europe and airport displays in major cities worldwide.

Director Robert Lundahl received a Northern California Emmy® (See official awards link here) for a compilation of short films produced in China^[51], with Bo Feng^[52][53] and others. The series is hosted by John Gage^[54][1]

In Summary

This article has been augmented and expanded to include personal and family information, specifically related to Robert Lundahl's public and well vetted fimmaking. There are 54 citations, many from news outlets including the LA Times, KCET, Cascade PBS, Salem-News.com, and East County Magazine (7 million readers). His films have aired nationally in over 80 cities on PBS stations, distributed by Zeiden Media. He has received a Northern California Emmy® Award and his films have been vetted, also by and may be referred to via IMDb (Internet Movie Database) and Bullfrog Films. His radio documentaries may be heard weekly on KPFK Los Angeles, tackling Southern California Environmental Justice issues and water controversies.

He has worked with Native American leadership including Mojave Hereditary Chief, Reverend Ron Van Fleet, Chemehuevi Hereditary Chief, Matthew Leivas, Sr., UFW, United Farm Worker and La Cuna de Aztlan Sacred Sites Protection Circle, Chicano leader Alfredo Acosta Figueroa (Yaqui/Chemehuevi). Sr. Figueroa is a relative of both Joaquin Murrieta and Jose Maria Figueroa, (LA Figueroa Boulevard), Governor of Alta California who freed Native, Indigenous people from the Mission system that enslaved them. Appearing also in his films are former Viejas Kumeyaay Chairman, Anthony Pico, relative of California's first Governor, Pio Pico (LA Pico Boulevard), and Native American activist and linguist Adeline Smith (Elwha Klallam) (see Wikipedia). Lundahl's research and the importance of his films is exceptional and necessary to our collective understanding of a relevant history today.

1. ^ "Robert Lundahl's film | East County Magazine". www.eastcountymagazine.org. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

2. ^ "The Land You Know Has Been Given to You - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

3. ^ "Chasing the American Dream in Lithium Valley - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

4. ^ "What Do We Mean by Environmental Justice? A Legacy of Greenaction - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

5. ^ "A Story Told: Benefits or a Curse at Thacker Pass - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

6. ^ "Thacker Pass, An Archaeological Perspective - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

7. ^ "Dorece Sam: SLAPP Suits and Dirty Deals - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

8. ^ "rewilding LA: Matilija Dam History and Ecosystems - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

9. ^ "Oak Flat: The Story Behind the StoryMahlee Yellowfeather, Great Granddaughter of Geronimo - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

10. ^ "The Climate Front: People Who Live There, with Attorney John Meyer - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

11. ^ "What Kind of Actions Can Lead to Justice? - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

12. ^ "The Fight to Save Thacker Pass Peehee Muhu: Rotten Moon - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

13. ^ "Blythe Solar Power Project La Cuna de Aztlan Sacred Sites". www.basinandrangewatch.org. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

14. ^ ""Paydirt". Do not buy in Great Park until you watch this". Talk Irvine. 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

15. ^ "Robert Lundahl | East County Magazine". www.eastcountymagazine.org. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

16. ^ "Who Are My People | East County Magazine". www.eastcountymagazine.org. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

17. ^ "PETITION LAUNCHED TO SAVE ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN KOKOPILLI GEOGLYPH | East County Magazine". www.eastcountymagazine.org. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

18. ^ "CALIFORNIA'S 9TH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS HEARS THE APPEAL ON IVANPAH | East County Magazine". www.eastcountymagazine.org. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

19. ^ "Salem-News.Com News from Salem Oregon and the surrounding region". salem-news.com. Archived from the original on 2013-06-15. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

20. ^ "The Climate Front: People Who Live There. The Battle for Bristol Bay - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

21. ^ "Not Advertising as Usual - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

22. ^ "Las Vegas Premiere Set to Expose BLM Mismanagement - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

23. ^ "Unconquering The Last Frontier - Film Essay - Patty-Lynne Herlevi, Article 4 in 14/2 of Montreal Serai". montrealserai.com. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

24. ^ "IMDbPro Official Site | Start Your Free Trial". IMDbPro. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

25. ^ "La Cuna de Aztlan | East County Magazine". www.eastcountymagazine.org. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

26. ^ "Six Utility Scale Desert Solar Projects Get Holiday Surprise - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.

27. ^ December 20, Laraine Turk1408scon; 2024. "Pipeline Lease for Cadiz Water Project Terminated". Morongo Basin Conservation Association. Retrieved 2025-06-08. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)

28. ^ "Creative FRONTLINE". Creative FRONTLINE. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

29. ^ "All Current Episodes". SoundCloud. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

30. ^ "PRX » Series » Creative FRONTLINE". PRX - Public Radio Exchange. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

31. ^ "Creative Frontline". KPFK 90.7 FM. 2025-06-01. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

32. ^ "New Series on KPFK Features Voices of Land Defenders and Environmental Justice Advocates - Salem-News.Com". www.salem-news.com. Archived from the original on 2023-07-22. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

33. ^ "Feature Documentary". UNASSAILABLE. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

34. ^ "Unconquering the Last Frontier - Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)". emro.libraries.psu.edu. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

35. ^ "Docuseek | Unconquering the Last Frontier". docuseek2.com. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

36. ^ Burke, Adam (2001-09-24). "The revival of a river people". High Country News. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

37. ^ "IMDbPro Official Site | Start Your Free Trial". IMDbPro. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

38. ^ "Unconquering the Last Frontier | Bullfrog Films: 1-800-543-3764: Environmental DVDs and Educational DVDs". www.bullfrogfilms.com. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

39. ^ "Unconquering the Last Frontier - Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)". emro.libraries.psu.edu. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

40. ^ "Hibulb Cultural Center || Events - Past Film Festivals". www.hibulbculturalcenter.org. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

41. ^ "Song on the Water - Production & Contact Info | IMDbPro". pro.imdb.com. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

42. ^ ""WHO ARE MY PEOPLE?" IS WELL WORTH WATCHING | East County Magazine". www.eastcountymagazine.org. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

43. ^ Hales, Roy L. (2013-08-22). "Is The US Department of the Interior Committing Cultural Genocide And Ecocide?". CleanTechnica. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

44. ^ X (2013-06-19). "Film explores effects of solar projects on Native American life". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

45. ^ "Documentary Explores Conflict Between Tribes, Energy Developers". PBS SoCal. 2013-03-08. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

46. ^ "Who Are My People?". Watershed Sentinel. 2015-02-02. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

47. ^ "The Land You Know Has Been Given to You - Salem-News.Com". salem-news.com. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

48. ^ "Andrea Morison Reviews "Who Are My People?" Documentary Film by Robert Lundahl". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 2025-06-01.

49. ^ Girvin, Douglas. "Douglas Girvin on about.me". about.me. Retrieved 2025-06-02.

50. ^ Robert Lundahl Filmmaker, Storyteller (2013-12-29). Delighted. Retrieved 2025-06-02 – via YouTube.

51. ^ Robert Lundahl Filmmaker, Storyteller (2017-09-25). e Commerce In China (w/o TV countdown) EMMY® AWARD WINNER. Retrieved 2025-06-02 – via YouTube.

52. ^ Sheff, David. "He's Got Guanxi!". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2025-06-02.

53. ^ Robert Lundahl Filmmaker, Storyteller (2017-04-29). Western Venture Capital in China EMMY® AWARD WINNER. Retrieved 2025-06-02 – via YouTube.

54. ^ "John Gage", Wikipedia, 2025-05-11, retrieved 2025-06-02