The Book of George: Mentorship, Storytelling, and the Wild Places That Shape Us
The Book of George is a short documentary about mentorship, identity, and the life-changing power of access to the natural world. Rooted in George McKenzie Jr.’s journey from Brooklyn to the backcountry of Florida, the film explores how relationships, storytelling, and wild places can help shape a person’s path and sense of purpose.
Through intimate moments and a deeply personal lens, the film reflects on what it means to be seen, guided, and challenged into becoming more of yourself. It also highlights the importance of conservation not only as an environmental issue, but as a human one—connected to belonging, opportunity, healing, and legacy.
This program at The Explorers Club will feature a screening of The Book of George, followed by a conversation with George McKenzie Jr. about the making of the film, the role mentorship has played in his life, and how storytelling can help people connect more deeply with nature and one another.
At its heart, The Book of George is about more than one person’s story. It is about what becomes possible when someone is invited into a world they never thought they could belong to.
This in-person event at the Explorers Club Headquarters will include an audience Q&A.
RESERVATIONS
This will be an in-person lecture at Explorers Club Headquarters.
In-person tickets are $20 for Members, and $35 for the General Public.
Check-in will begin at 6:00 pm, with a beer and wine reception from 6:00 – 7:00 pm
FILM CREDITS
Director: Danny Schmidt
Executive Producers: Mallory Lykes Dimmitt, Alex Wallace, Julie Wallace, Hayley Nenadal
Producers: George McKenzie Jr, Clay Barron, Danny Schmidt
Produced by Pure Gold Picture in association with SLOMotion Film
Presented by The Los Angeles Times
Supported by Stio, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, CREW Land and Water Trust
George McKenzie Jr.
George McKenzie Jr. is a wildlife conservation photographer, filmmaker, mentor, and National Geographic Explorer whose work centers on the relationship between people, wildlife, and the landscapes that sustain both. Known for his powerful storytelling and field-based approach, George uses photography and film to reveal the hidden connections between conservation, culture, and belonging.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, George relocated to Florida to pursue wildlife photography and has since become known for his work documenting the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the importance of private lands in protecting biodiversity. His career has included work as a camera trap technician on Path of the Panther, as well as speaking, teaching, and mentoring young people through visual storytelling.
George is an Explorers Club member, a Class of 2022 EC50 Honoree, a National Geographic PhotoCamp instructor, and a National Geographic Explorer. His short documentary The Book of George continues his commitment to stories that not only inspire awe however also invite people into a deeper relationship with the natural world and with one another.
