RISAN STUDIES

Risan Studies has developed the Cresta Alta Field Guide which is included in screenings of the Cresta Alta Film. The guide assists viewers in understanding the terminology and research methodology featured in Cresta Alta.

The Cresta Alta Film Tour is engaging audiences throughout the US with arts councils, colleges, high schools and museums at events produced by The Risan Project. The 2025 tour features Risan Media's expedition-based climate change documentary film titled, Cresta Alta, that chronicles a journey to Alaska, Iceland, Chile and Peru to document glaciological research expeditions and sustainability. The screenings are followed by a Risan Studies Q&A with environmental filmmaker and socially-conscious musician, Todd Anders Johnson, who studied development issues at the University of Washington. With a foundational perspective that more sustainable policies are imperative and that there are effective renewable and sustainable options to employ regionally, nationally and globally, Todd has dedicated himself to the arts in creating entertaining and educational film, music and events.

As students across the nation face an uncertain future in educational opportunities with reduced funding resources paired with the deconstruction of environmental and climate science organizations, the Cresta Alta Film Tour is a timely forum of entertainment and education focused on the practical applications of climate change scientific research, renewable energy, and sustainability initiatives. 

The film features Danish glaciologist, Dr. Sebastian Mernild, sharing how his research in the Andes was funded by the Chilean National Science Foundation and also showcases how a USAID-funded program in Huaraz, Peru, aims to use bio-remediation to clean river water of heavy metals that is occurring due to deglaciation. These expeditions and their findings highlight the efficacy of scientific organizational programs and the need for continued research funding. These salient discussion topics are now being explored in our post-film screening Q&As with students who are trying to find gravity in this changing educational environment. 

Todd's film documenting his travels, his interviews with leading scientists across the world, and the amazing cinematography was a great experience for our students. There were multiple entry points for discussion, including from scientific, creative arts, geopolitical, and humanistic angles. I highly recommend Todd's work for any school looking to bring real-world examples of the impact of climate change, and what the next generation can do about it.

Christopher Young, North Country Union High School Principal, Newport, VT

A must see for not just environmentalists but anyone that cares about the future and how melting glaciers will impact those that live near and far from them. Very well done movie, will see it again if able!

Stacey Bond Shinske, Abany, NY

I just read a very quick summary and we need more of what Todd is promoting with this research and this film! I am definitely going to look into this more tomorrow. Amazing work. We need this type of awareness now more than ever.

Lorri Greenwood, Boston, MA

We had a chance to watch it over the weekend and really enjoyed it.  It is striking to think about how much of this research may be affected by the current restrictions on funding and the USAID closure.  So much important work...

Keith, Telluride, CO

March 14 Michael D. Palm Theatre, Telluride, CO

March 18 Randolph Union School, Randolph, VT 

March 18 North Country Union High School Auditorium Community Event, Newport, VT

March 19 North Country Union High School Student Assembly, Newport, VT       

March 20 Hazen High School Student Assembly, Hardwick, VT

March 20 Hazen High School Community Flood Relief Benefit for Civic Standard, Hardwick, VT

March 21 Friends of the Union Meeting Hall Ferrisburgh, VT

March 22 Jay Peak Resort Clips and Screens Movie Theater, Jay, VT

March 22 Sterling College, Craftsbury Common, VT 

March 23 Savoy Theatre, Montpelier, VT

March 31 Chilkat Center for the Arts with the Haines Arts Council, Haines, AK

April 3 University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau, AK

April 5 Valdez Civic Center, Valdez, AK

April 8 The Glenn Massay Theater at the Mat-Su College, Palmer, AK 

April 9 University of Alaska Fairbanks Wood Center Pub, Fairbanks, AK

April 10 Sheldon Community Arts Hangar with the Denali Arts Council, Talkeetna, AK

April 11 Susitna Valley High School, Talkeetna, AK

April 11 Alice's Champagne Palace, Homer, AK

April 16 Museum at Prariefire, Overland Park, KS 

April 23 Pembroke Hill School Upper School Assembly in the HSC Auditorium, Kansas City, MO

April 23 Pembroke Hill School Assemblies in the Centennial Theater, Kansas City, MO

May 17 Brush Creek Pavilion with the Palmer Fund and the Town of Eagle Sustainability Department, Eagle, CO

June 7 Gunnison Arts Center, Gunnison, CO

September 9 Summit High School, Breckenridge, CO

Todd Anders Johnson is an environmental filmmaker, socially-conscious musician and educator and independently produced Cresta Alta. With the Risan Brands family of companies, Todd merges his passions for the environment, the arts, cannabis and outdoor recreation. Todd studied development issues at the University of Washington. With a foundational perspective that more sustainable policies are imperative and that there are effective renewable and sustainable options to employ regionally, nationally and globally, Todd has dedicated himself to the arts in creating entertaining and educational film, music and events. Todd’s passions for exploring big mountains brought him from Vermont to Seattle and then Alaska, where his first of many tours and expeditions began throughout the glaciated state. Todd now lives with his family high in the mountains of Colorado.