JACK LOEFFLER, UDALL'S CLOSE FRIEND: The Politics of Beauty is a masterpiece, an absolutely superb tribute to Stewart Udall, perhaps the best documentary I’ve ever seen. Every aspect was righteously wrought. The videography is superb, the storyline absolutely perfect, and I loved the music being an old musician, and sound collage producer. I wish Stewart could see it. And Lee as well.

GUS SPETH—DIRECTOR, UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, FORMER DEAN, YALE SCHOOL OF FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENT: A lot of us came into the environmental movement around 1970, the time of the first Earth Day, and we missed the opportunity to know Stewart Udall and to work with him. So what a joy - indeed what an inspiration - to watch this wonderful film about him, his amazing accomplishments, and his spiritual attachment to the natural richness and beauty of our country. And if a lot in the film is a revelation to me, imagine how important it is for those under 80 to see it! It beckons us all to public service, informs us on how we came to benefit from the conservation we so enjoy, and, perhaps above all, teaches us the power of persistence and a smile. Don't miss this masterpiece.

TIM PALMER, NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER/AUTHOR OF 30 BOOKS: I'm absolutely blown away by this film. Sitting here nearly teary eyed just at the power and beauty of it. At so many levels: the beauty, the exquisite selection of stills and their match to narrative, the epic chronology, the breath of witnesses, the complexity of messages, the span of history, the vitality of it all, the integration of so much—I'm tempted to say everything—that is important.

FORMER SENATOR GORDON SMITH (R,OR): I’ve just watched the documentary, Stewart Udall - the Politics of Beauty. It’s a beautiful and accurate tribute. Bravo! So very well done. Wouldn’t change a word.

PHILLIP SCHOENBERG, DIRECTORS, HONORS COLLEGE, WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY: This film is important, timely, and absolutely stunning and was very well received by our little mountain town of Silver City, New Mexico. As a philosophy professor deeply engaged in the environmental humanities, I found it inspiring. It is a welcome reminder in a cynical age that politics can serve beauty, and that environmental causes should not be fraught with the general disunity of our country's political leadership. This is a lesson especially important for our young people to learn and I hope that Stewart Udall: The Politics of Beauty is viewed by many in our nation's schools and colleges. I sincerely hope that the film is viewed by many for a long time to come. I know it will have a very positive impact.

TINA CORDOVA—DIRECTOR, NEW MEXICO DOWNWINDERS COALITION: As the Co-Founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium (TBDC) I truly believe that Stewart Udall is an unrecognized American Hero. He was not only an environmentalist, which is the history most people know but he was a humanitarian as well. He spent many years trying to bring justice to the people of the American west whose lives were horribly changed by their overexposure to radiation. I was deeply touched by the film and thought it was one of the most beautiful documentaries I have ever seen. I learned a great deal about how Secretary Udall used measured patience and diplomacy to communicate what he believed in. In this way he was able to ultimately achieve most of his goals. His example is certainly a lesson for a modern world steeped in division and partisan politics. I hope that soon the film will be available to the public and that it is seen by a wide audience from all walks of life.

RANGER AND UDALL BIOGRAPHER SCOTT EINBERGER: I watched it yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. I appreciate how the film does not ignore his controversies (dams, Vietnam) as well. Bravo!

THOMAS SMITH, HISTORIAN AND UDALL BIOGRAPHER: Loved the film. The writing, visuals, music, and pace all were masterfully done. And the beautification message comes through in nearly every frame. This film does a magnificent job of capturing Udall and the causes to which he devoted his life. I hope it gets wide distribution. It deserves it.

MO UDALL’S CHIEF OF STAFF BRUCE WRIGHT: This is a wonderful film. It captures the essence of Stewart Udall. Equally important, the film accurately depicts him as one of the most important environmentalists in the 20th Century. In telling his story, it also focuses on the key environmental issues facing our country during his lifetime. Bravo!

LYNN UDALL, DAUGHTER: My daughter and I watched it last night and we both LOVED it and it bought tears to our eyes! The universe needs this film!

SHARON FRANCIS, UDALL AIDE: I've thought about little else since watching this film 24 hours ago. It's so rich with people, places, and observations.. The presence of Stewart goes on and on.

ERIC EBERHARD, FORMER BOARD CHAIR, UDALL FOUNDATION AND PROFESSOR OF INDIAN LAW: An amazing film! I find it to be superb and I’m sure that others will too.

ROBERT STANTON, FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: I am, and shall remain, grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this magnificent film.

ROSS PETERSON, HISTORIAN: Magnificent. Very well done, many tears.

KIMI GINOZA GREEN, SANTA FE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: What a wonderful, poignant tribute to Stewart Udall!

LISA CAPOZZOLI SMITH, FORMER PBS AND NPR PRODUCER: This is a spectacular documentary. It is deeply moving and terribly important. And timely as hell! Oh, and I forgot to mention that the film is gorgeous!

MARINA CROMBERG, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST, FLORIANOPOLIS, BRAZIL: I've watched the film and shed a lot of tears at the end. So beautiful! So beautiful! I was delighted to learn about Stewart Udall's work and his legacy not only for the USA, but the whole world. What a man!! Environmentalist, social-justice activist, a true politician that advocates for life and beauty!

SYLVIA BINSFELD, ENVIRONMENTAL FILMMAKER: I was immediately engaged. Powerful opening. Loved everything about it.

JAY UDALL, SON OF STEWART: It's fabulous. Fantastic work all around: big picture plus intimate moments! Congratulations on a beautiful, soulful project brought to full fruition.

JUSTIN HARMON, PROFESSOR OF RECREATION, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA--GREENSBORO: In the days before his death, Stewart Udall says to his close friend, Jack Loeffler, “We must never forget the great mystery.” One might assume he was referring to the hereafter, but upon watching this documentary, think Udall was referring to the spirituality and magnificence available to us all through time spent in nature. The documentary fairly attends to the personal and professional arc of Udall, including contradictions and regrets – but most importantly, his abundance of successes that we all benefit from today in the form of our protected lands and waters. The film, and more importantly, Udall, provide inspiration to anyone that everyone can make a difference, and we all are rewarded when we care for our environment.

JEFF JONES, FORMER RANGER, LASSEN NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA: This film is beautifully done and parts of it brought tears to my eyes. I lived through all the national events that he did, many of which are painful to remember. Udall was such a force for good throughout his life. The piece is filmed so artfully. I hope it gets the wide recognition and high praise that it deserves. The other thing that struck me about his life and the film interviews was the depth, integrity and intention of the people with whom he interacted. Today, society, and politicians specifically, are so coarse, shallow, self-centered and disappointing on a daily basis that it is disheartening. The film was inspiring, showing that there once was a better way ... not perfect by any means, but better.

DAN DUSTIN, FORMER PROFESSOR OF RECREATION, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH: I had the pleasure of viewing Stewart Udall: The Politics of Beauty, at the Santa Fe International Film Festival. The film would be a useful addition to most any park, recreation, or tourism course. While the film focuses on the life of Udall, it has a much broader appeal, for Udall's life served as a synecdoche, an individual story reflecting a much larger story about the United States' growth and development as an expanding liberal democracy. Udall was an early proponent of environmental justice, but just as importantly, of social justice. The film does a wonderful job of weaving together a variety of justice-related themes that are more relevant than ever. The film moves quickly and is beautifully crafted.

HEATHER STEINMANN, PROFESSOR OF HUMANITIES, WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY: Stewart Udall and the Politics of Beauty is a timely contribution to the history of politics in the US. My reaction to the film was something akin to the overview effect: the effect that astronauts have when viewing earth from space. I felt the awe of the landscape through the sweeping landscape shots and a keen sense of both loss and hope. The story of Udall's losses and hopes were carefully presented through the voices of people that knew him and archival photographs. In all, the complexity of conservation in politics was presented in a most enjoyable way. The value of this for humanities discussion is immeasurable.

PHILLIP SCHOENBERG, DIRECTOR, HONORS COLLEGE, WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY: This film is important, timely, and absolutely stunning and was very well received by our little mountain town of Silver City, New Mexico. As a philosophy professor deeply engaged in the environmental humanities, I found it inspiring. It is a welcome reminder in a cynical age that politics can serve beauty, and that environmental causes should not be fraught with the general disunity of our country's political leadership. This is a lesson especially important for our young people to learn and I hope that Stewart Udall: The Politics of Beauty is viewed by many in our nation's schools and colleges. I would screen it with my own students here at WNMU without hesitation. I sincerely hope that the film is viewed by many for a long time to come. I know it will have a very positive impact.

TINA CORDOVA—DIRECTOR, NEW MEXICO DOWNWINDERS COALITION: As the Co-Founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium (TBDC) I truly believe that Stewart Udall is an unrecognized American Hero. He was not only an environmentalist which is the history most people know but he was a humanitarian as well. He spent many years trying to bring justice to the people of the American west whose lives were horribly changed by their overexposure to radiation. I was deeply touched by the film and thought it was one of the most beautiful documentaries I have ever seen. I learned a great deal about how Secretary Udall used measured patience and diplomacy to communicate what he believed in. In this way he was able to ultimately achieve most of his goals. His example is certainly a lesson for a modern world steeped in division and partisan politics. I hope that soon the film will be available to the public and that it is seen by a wide audience from all walks of life.