The Understory refers to the younger generation of trees that live below the forest canopy, growing in the bursts of light. Set on an off-grid homestead in Temple, Maine, this film follows an ecological immersion program for young adults. With guidance from Director Chris Knapp, participants learn homesteading and hand crafting skills, and reflect on their motivations to live in a conscious and connected way with the living world around them. Like the growing trees of the forest, they are striving towards the light. “Active hope is not wishful thinking…Active hope is waking up to the beauty of life on whose behalf we can act.” -Joanna Macy

Homesteading means always being at home, says Jim Cornish, who teaches students how to live off the land at his farm, Stone Soup Institute. A past student, Jeremy Kasten, draws on his experience with Jim as he and his family prepare for their second season growing vegetables and raising animals.

Volunteers like Nancy Troubh provide a valuable service through Maine Search and Rescue Dogs to help find missing people in the wilderness. Marita Murphy documents the specialized training that dogs receive to provide search and rescue services, and the emotion attached to each search.

Genevieve Pedulla documents the lives of Colby Smith and Caitlin Horigan, two individuals who live off the grid and attempt to maintain a connection to the modern world without public utilities.

Salt covers the subject of wilderness living and primitive skills.

Roger Smith documents the work of outdoor guides who are fighting to preserve the idea of the downeast lakes as a natural "Vacationland," against a proposal to building wind turbines.

Two individuals who live the rural lifestyle speak about their experiences living in nature.

Learning wilderness skills and how to live off the land from a Native American elder as a child, Raymond Reitze lives a quiet and peaceful life with nature. Masumi Hayashi-Smith highlights Reitze's life, becoming attuned to nature, and teaching his wilderness skills.

In Augusta, people are able to study wilderness living at the Maine Primitive Skills School. Students speak about the importance of the school in their lives.

Learning wilderness skills and how to live off the land from a Native American elder as a child, Raymond Reitze now teaches people the lessons he learned. Masumi Hayashi-Smith highlights the work that Reitze does with his classes and guidance, and how his influence has changed the lives of many people.

Ellen Sherwood documents the lives of two individuals who live the rural lifestyle speak about their experiences living in nature.

Maggie Melvin documents the lives of Chris and Ashirah Knapp, two people who live alternative lifestyles as homesteaders.