Interview: Ashley Avis Takes a Stand for Wild Horses in Gripping Documentary ‘Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West’

In a captivating interview, filmmaker Ashley Avis shares her remarkable journey from directing the heartwarming Disney+ film “Black Beauty” to delving into the world of investigative reporting. Inspired by the abuse faced by wild horses in the United States, Avis sets out to expose the truth in her powerful documentary, “Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West.” Unveiling the profound beauty and desperate plight of these majestic creatures, Avis takes audiences on a gripping and eye-opening expedition into the wild.

After debuting at Breckenridge Film Festival and winning Best Documentary at the Boston and St. Louis Film Festivals, “Wild Beauty” has left audiences speechless, leaving a lasting impact. The film’s release in select theaters and on VOD on May 12 promises to spotlight the urgent need for wild horse reform.

During the interview, Avis describes the mesmerizing experience of seeing a wild horse for the first time, recounting the magic and purity that fills the air when encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. “I think that there’s a mysticism to wild horses. We’re so fortunate that we’ve gotten to be able to see them where they belong in the wild,” Ashley Avis tells Hollywood First Look. “It’s always magical to be around them but to be out in these landscapes where the mountains meet the sky, and you get to experience that purity. I think the best quote we came across was what Thoreau says, ‘We need the tonic of wildness…’ Seeing a wild horse for the first time makes you feel like there’s magic in the world. It makes you feel like a child, and it also makes you feel protective of what’s out there.”

As Avis ventured into the world of wild horse advocacy, she explains how her transition from filmmaker to investigative reporter was fueled by her growing awareness of the transgressions committed against these animals. She reveals that the documentary not only aims to raise awareness about wild horses but also sheds light on the interconnectedness of keystone species and the fragile ecological balance. By uncovering corruption and misinformation perpetuated by the Bureau of Land Management, Avis paints a vivid picture of the battle between wild horses and special interests seeking to exploit their habitat.

With a deeply personal touch, Avis takes viewers on an emotional journey, combining sweeping visuals of wild horses and their families with a hard-hitting exposé of the injustices they face. The film strikes a delicate balance, allowing audiences to feel both inspired and outraged, empowering them to raise their voices and take action.

Driven by her determination to make a difference, Avis founded The Wild Beauty Foundation where she has initiated rescue programs for horses and introduced educational initiatives aimed at cultivating compassion and empathy in children. In continuing the fight, she has organized a special screening of her documentary for Congress in June.

Avis emphasizes the importance of preserving the wild world for future generations and urges viewers to stand with wild horses. Through the power of social media and grassroots movements, she believes that collective action can bring about positive change and protect these extraordinary animals.

“The Bureau of Land Management is getting away with a lot and not even getting its hand slapped. It’s wild horses versus a battle over land and special interests,” the director points out. “There’s a lot of money there. So, it’s going to be a hard uphill battle, but that’s what we’re hoping the film does. We’re asking people to raise awareness from the ground level and to talk about it online. Post our trailer with the hashtag #Istandwithwildhorses and tag your members of Congress, especially on Instagram or tag your equine-loving celebrities. Because if we can get a movement going, I think lawmakers will listen. That’s what happened in Colorado, enough people called the office of Governor Polis, and they intervened in that roundup. One voice times 20,000 makes one heck of a difference. It’s really important that we stand with our wild world,” Avis continued, “that we protect them not just for us but for our kids and our children’s children.”

As Ashley Avis continues her remarkable journey, her documentary “Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West” serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of these wild horses and the urgent need for their protection.