Documentary Showcase Treks Across the Old West With 'Unbranded,' a Tribute to the Intelligence and Resiliency of Wild Mustangs
"Unbranded" follows four young cowboys who ride wild mustangs from the Mexico border to Canada through 3,000 miles of the wildest terrain of the American West—all in hopes of raising awareness for the plight of America's burgeoning wild mustang population.
![Scientology Network's DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE features "Unbranded"](https://cdn.nwe.io/files/x/d8/aa/81e2512b9c4eb399725b5ffdf98f.jpg)
LOS ANGELES, April 12, 2019 (Newswire.com) - Scientology Network’s DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE is the weekly series providing a platform for Independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues. Unbranded is a journey that celebrates the return of an icon of the American West, the wild mustang.
DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE airs Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.
Unbranded follows four young cowboys who ride wild mustangs from the Mexico border to Canada through 3,000 miles of the wildest terrain of the American West — all in hopes of raising awareness for the plight of America’s burgeoning wild mustang population. During their epic journey, friendships are tested and the trail ultimately leads to self-discovery.
Unbranded director Phillip Baribeau’s stunning cinematic documentary feature was shot over five months across five states, with breathtaking images of crossing through Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Glacier National Parks. The four young riders and 16 mustangs traversed difficult terrain, mostly on public lands, to promote awareness of the issue and to encourage adoption of wild mustangs.
The plot was conceived by Ben Masters, whose strong admiration for the breed motivated him to recruit three friends, all recent Texas A&M graduates, to embark on the arduous journey together. The film follows Ben and his friends as they choose and train the horses and set off on a journey reminiscent of the old American frontier.
Unbranded has claimed top audience awards at the Hot Docs, Telluride International and Mountainfilm film festivals.
ABOUT PHILLIP BARIBEAU
Phillip Baribeau is a director and cinematographer who followed his passions for film, storytelling and adventure by earning a degree in media and theater arts from Montana State University. Baribeau has worked on the broadcast series Destination Extreme on National Geographic, and Ax Men and Mountain Men on the History Channel. He won Best Overall Film at the Baku Film Festival in Azerbaijan for the short film Land of Fire. Unbranded is his first credit as director for a feature-length film.
ABOUT BEN MASTERS
Ben Masters is a filmmaker, writer and horse packer. He studied wildlife biology at Texas A&M University and is the wildlife management chair on the U.S. Bureau of Land Management volunteer Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. He writes for National Geographic Adventure and Western Horseman. He is currently directing a series of character-driven conservation short films.
ABOUT DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE
Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission that extends to some 200 nations with programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief. For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for Independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.
DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE debuts films weekly from award-winning Independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues.
For more information, visit Scientology.tv/docs.
The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in 237 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross-section of cultures and faiths and share a common purpose of uplifting communities.
Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church’s global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network can be streamed at Scientology.tv and is available through satellite television, mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.
Source: Scientology Network