Join us as we kick off the 11th Season of the Overland Expo Film Festival sponsored by Krug Expeditions at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, May 16-18. The film festival, which takes place on Friday, May 16, brings a curated selection of films documenting vehicle-based travel adventures both near and far to the Oasis Bar and Food Court Sponsored by XPLOR. Be ready to be inspired by exceptional storytelling and truly impressive cinematography.
FILM FEST: FRIDAY, MAY 16th at 7:00 PM
FILM: SAVORING JOY
A film about biking over 450 miles to celebrate a crucial expression for a Navajo child. The adventure marries bikepacking with wild horses, canyons and new life as every pedal stroke get’s Mylo closer to his homeland, Dinétah. The teachings of his Elders help guide Mylo about enduring to the end and deciding which path to take, even if it’s to help one family.
Film Makers Bios
Ben Weiland and Brian Davis are two filmmaker’s who have been working together for nearly 10 years. Their friendship goes back even further. Their interest in making movies brought them together to form Fielder Films, a small studio with a focus on craftsmanship, artistry, and imagination. The films they make are about independent stories of people, exploration, and creative pursuit in places of imagination across the planet. are two filmmakers who have been working together for nearly 10 years. Their friendship goes back even further. Their interest in making movies brought them together to form Fielder Films, a small studio with a focus on craftsmanship, artistry, and imagination. The films they make are about independent stories of people, exploration, and creative pursuit in places of imagination across the planet.
FILM: CAPACITY IN RESERVE
In Capacity In Reserve, Rob Spencer’s life is forever changed after a tragic car accident leaves him with complete amnesia — 23 years of memories wiped away.
Faced with the challenge of rebuilding his identity from nothing, he found solace, healing and, ultimately, purpose outside connecting with nature. It became his refuge, a place where he could rediscover himself and forge a path forward. Determined to turn tragedy into growth, Rob commits his life to helping others unlock their potential and find peace in the journey of self-discovery.
Rob spent 20 years as a martial arts teacher, guiding students toward confidence, discipline, and strength. This path led him to a decade-long career alongside families in desperate search for their missing children, offering his skills and hope in their darkest moments. Currently, his focus is on philanthropy, using his experiences to help others connect with the outdoors as a means of healing and transformation. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or hands-on initiatives, Rob Spencer continues to dedicate his life to lifting others up, proving that even in the face of loss, we all have a capacity to live a life full of purpose.
Filmmaker Bios
Brandon Harrop
Brandon Harrop is a husband, father, and filmmaker with a deep love for the outdoors. Brandon grew up surfing the waves of Southern California and hiking the Wasatch trails of Utah. Since 2014, he has focused on writing, directing, and producing cinematic stories and documentaries that combine the resilience of the human spirit with the beauty of the outdoors. Beyond filmmaking, Brandon actively contributes to his local community by serving as a member of the Farmington trails committee, aiming to enhance outdoor experiences for all. He is also in the process of bringing the first ever Surf Film Festival to Utah.
His most recent documentary, Capacity In Reserve (2024), has garnered critical acclaim during the festival circuit by earning awards for Best Documentary Short, Best Director and Best Editing from multiple film festivals.
“I’m deeply inspired by the power of human potential, the great outdoors and stories that connect the two.”
Rob Spencer
Rob Spencer is a seasoned creative in the overland and outdoor space, having spent more than a decade capturing the essence of adventure through storytelling, photography, and design. With a deep-rooted passion for nature and exploration, Rob has carved out a unique voice in the community, blending raw authenticity with a refined creative eye. Whether through building rigs, discovering remote trails, or working with brands aligned with the outdoor lifestyle, Rob’s work is marked by a genuine love for the wild and a desire to inspire others to find freedom off the beaten path.
In a bold and personal move, Rob recently partnered with Nocea Studio to create a short film that tells his own story—Capacity in Reserve, a reflection on life, purpose, and the journey that shaped him. The film steps beyond gear and landscapes, diving into the emotional core of why we explore and how the outdoors can heal, challenge, and connect
READ MORE: 15 Items to Pack When Camping at Overland Expo West
FEATURE FILM: SILENT BATTLES – RIDING FOR LIFE
Every veteran has a story.
This short documentary follows the journey of a group of Veterans and Active-Duty military servicemen as they head out on an unforgettable motorcycle expedition: 25 days from Astoria, Oregon, United States, to Tuktoyaktuk, Northern Territories, Canada, at the edge of the Arctic Ocean, and then home. While on this expedition, these men share close and intimate stories about the veteran and active-duty suicide epidemic amongst the military community and it’s impact on their lives, in hopes of bringing awareness and aid to those in need.
Film Maker Bio
Grace Schuessler is an Emmy Award-winning videographer and storyteller. Her films aim to capture the depth of the human spirit, with a focus on exploration and adventure in the wild.
She is also an author, public lands advocate, and motorcycle enthusiast, who proudly calls Bend, Oregon home.
Join Us at Overland Expo West
The Overland Expo Film Festival sponsored by Krug Expeditions is included in your ticket to Overland Expo West, May 16-18, at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona.
