Our Team - Ethereal Films

Our Core Team

Elijah Yetter-Bowman, Founder

Award-winning filmmaker Elijah Yetter-Bowman (they/them) grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina as a curious problem solver. They attended UNC Chapel Hill originally to pursue a path in healthcare. Recognizing a lack of creative communication for complex issues, they founded Ethereal Films to help solve dire problems through storytelling and impact campaigns. They received numerous awards including the Southern Exposure Film Fellowship in 2021 and dubbed a ‘Kentucky Colonel’ by Governor Beshear in 2022 for their efforts on PFAS awareness. Their work bridges gaps between many disciplines including a polymer chemistry, advising the NC attorney general and expert consulting.

Sammy Bauer, Engagement Producer

Sammy (she/they) has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a BA in Communications from UNC. An educator at heart, Sammy focuses on accessibility and accuracy our projects. She also serves as a Community Education Coordinator for a local government where she teaches folks how to not pollute their local watersheds. In their spare time you can find Sammy crafting, running workshops for children or cuddling with cats.

Gill Holland,

Consulting Producer

Gill (he/him) is an award-winning and seasoned film producer with over 100 production credits to date. He is a two-time graduate from UNC Chapel Hill and joined the project as a strong advocate of clean water. He also owns and operates the media production company, The Group Entertainment LLC.

Yuma Kobayashi,

Associate Producer

Yuma (he/him) has worked freelance for film sets since graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2020, championing the arts as a means for making social progress in realms of environmentalism, mutual aid, workers’ rights, and social justice. A staunch advocate for community empowerment, he spends his free time making things worth sharing, whether they be screenplays, poetry, or bread.

Sidney Hipp,

Science Communicator

Sidney (she/her) is a sophomore studying at UNC Chapel Hill. She is pursuing a BS in Environmental Science with a concentration in natural resources and ecology, as well as a minor in Biology. Sidney is passionate about both science and the creative arts. She looks forward to combining her interests with Ethereal Films to create environmental and social change! She is excited to learn from and collaborate with this incredible team!

Ashton Webb,

Social Impact Producer

Ashton (she/her) is a Kennesaw State University graduate and she received her degree in Art History and a minor in Film Studies. Her passion for filmmaking and social justice has led to her work with Ethereal Films as an intern, and now as our Social Impact Producer. She helps manage our social media accounts, as well as works on fundraising for our projects. Ashton is also a freelance screenwriter and spends her free-time snuggling with her dog, Poppyseed, and watching movies.

Current Interns

Taylor Holbrooks

Taylor (she/her) will graduate in May 2023 with a degree from UNC Chapel Hill in Media and Journalism as well as Environmental Science. Driven by her love for the human experience, Taylor has devoted her work in journalism and environmental research to social advocacy and coastal waterway conservation. Her work as an independent photojournalist and the self-production of her own documentary film has allowed Taylor to explore her passion for storytelling. She is thrilled to be a part of Ethereal Film’s incredible mission and to learn and create with such a wonderful team.

Kaya Johnson

Kaya (she/her) is a sophomore studying at UNC Chapel Hill. She is pursuing a double major in Media & Journalism and Environmental Sustainability, as well as a minor in Spanish. Her hometown, located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, has sparked her passion for environmental equity and protection. Kaya is thrilled to combine her fields of study to learn how to create lasting environmental and social change from the team at Ethereal Films!