About Joshua

Growing up amongst the Santa Monica Mountains, I was constantly immersed in the rich tapestry of its flora and fauna. This unique ecosystem inspired a natural inclination towards climbing, where I discovered that these very mountains and creeks were laden with hidden bouldering and sport crags. My passion for capturing moments started early; as a child, I often found myself emulating my father—a sports photographer with his own studio. Memories of those days in his darkroom, developing film and witnessing the magic of photo shoots, are still vivid in my mind.

With over 17 years dedicated to photography and an additional 7 years exploring the realms of cinematography, my journey has been one of continuous growth and discovery. Today, as a seasoned cinematographer and photographer, my focus is deeply rooted in documentary storytelling. My work, which spans from documentary DP, drone operation to high-speed B-roll , has found its way into acclaimed series like "Expedition Bigfoot," "Rotten," and "Masterclass." Mimetic Films’ "Unearthed", which has been celebrated at various film festivals, and pieces of my work have been showcased in Climbing Magazine and Variety Magazine.My academic background in Evolutionary Biology and Anthropology from The Evergreen State College adds a layer of depth to my work, bridging the gap between nature, humanity, and visual artistry.

Currently, I am working on multiple documentary projects as a DP including a feature length doc - “Nihunavea- my heart my center” Nihunavea Deck and “Fogeaters” looking at costal Californian fog and its relationship with mercury.

Thanks!

Joshua Brandon Roth

818.298.3359 | Joshuabroth@gmail.com

Please look below to see some of my work including my upcoming projects:

Showreel

Upcoming Projects

Mad Bad World - Blue Cut Sessions

Nihunavea: My Heart My Center 





  
 Projects
Ancient Optics - Ocean 























  
  








  
Ancient Optics - Forest 























  
  








  
Unearthed  Trailer 























  
  




 




  
Protect Carrizo Plains National Monument























  
  




 




  
The Cobblestones and the Temporal: Climbing in the Santa Monica Mountains























  
  




 




  
The Tunnels























  
  








  
Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, The Tunnels are a grouping of sandstone boulders, ranging from laybacks to overhangs. With Malibu Creek making its way to the ocean, The Tunnels have been shaped by aquatic forces. What has been left behind are inspiring lines that have drawn us to climb these boulders. The beauty of this place has long needed to be shared. From that, this short has been born. The Tunnels is the first episode of what will become a comprehensive visual presentation of the rock climbing in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Sender One Games and Grand Opening 























  
  




 




  
Cargo Builders 























  
  




 




  
National Geographic Young Explorer























  
  








  
I made this short for a Nat Geo Young Explorer grant which he is currently working on in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Senior Thesis: Reflections on Identity: Jewish People of Olympia























  
  




When I first moved to Olympia, Washington to attend The Evergreen State College, I knew little about the city itself and seemingly knew even less of who I was. I was only 22 and it was the first time I lived away from home. At first It did not dawn on me how much intuitively I knew that aspects of my life personally were going to change but I did not have any idea how or why.
Over the years I spent in Olympia, I became sensitive about my cultural heritage, which in a single event culminated in a very difficult experience. The memory is still very clear in my mind. My brother and I were driving back to our house, located near the Evergreen campus, wanting to explore, we decided to take a path that we hadn't before. Right as we were about to make back to Evergreen Parkway, coming around a bend in the road, we saw it flying high in front of what looked like a broken down home. It was a Neo-Nazi flag which is composed with the confederate flag as the background and the swastika perfectly centered. That moment instilled a fear and connectedness I never have felt about being Jewish.
The intentions behind Reflections on Identity: Jewish People of Olympia, was to create a dialogue about a vastly complicated subject. Topics from what its like to be Jewish in Olympia to the effects of the middle east conflicts define our people, our heritage and in a town where such few jewish people live made for a perfect conversation to have. Each interview covers varies topics and is intended to simply highlight a small aspect of what it means to be Jewish in Olympia. Given the timing of this project, I was able to make connections with the Olympia Jewish community Both at The Evergreen State College and the greater Olympia area.
In making this documentary, I have realized that there is not one mode of thought about Jewish though there are similarities in all of our stories, linking us to our lineage. The isolation of the Olympia Jew brings us closer to our roots, friends and family because we do not have the distractions of a larger community, providing us the ability to create what we want to see and be. I have learned to be proud to be apart of this community, to be proud to be Jewish in Olympia in 2013.