How does an indie filmmaker top more than 200 international film awards and selections?
For Mark Starks, it’s by creating a film with a purpose that goes beyond the festival circuit, reaching audiences in a more direct and impactful way.
Mark Starks
“Glaciers: Nature’s Resilient Water Towers”
Starks’ new film, “Glaciers: Nature’s Resilient Water Towers,” has been officially endorsed by the United Nations, a significant achievement that elevates his work to a vital global mission. The documentary short, which highlights the critical role of glaciers in the world’s ecosystem, is currently featured on the official UN website. This recognition positions the film as an important tool for the UN’s global initiative, the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation in 2025. This endorsement and feature on the UN platform transform Starks’ work from an independent film to a socially and globally vital project.
To bring the film to life, Starks needed a narrator with both a professional touch and a personal connection. For this, he turned to his longtime collaborator and former classmate from Midland, Michigan, actor Paul Ganus. Ganus, who has hundreds of film and television credits, including appearances in Hollywood films like Atlas, Battle of the Sexes, and The Mask of Zorro, not only provided his voice for the narration but also serves as a co-producer on the project. While Ganus is a high-demand actor, he made time for the project due to his long-standing friendship with Starks and his belief in the film’s important message. The collaboration between the two Midland natives highlights a shared commitment to using their talents to support a meaningful cause.
With the film, Starks hopes to educate a wider audience on the importance of glaciers as essential water sources for the planet and inspire viewers to recognize the urgency of climate change. He has stated, “The hope is that the film will encourage people to learn more about the world’s glaciers, which are a vital part of the planet’s ecosystem, and do their part to protect them.”
“I truly enjoy collaborating with my co-producer, Mark Starks. If you take a peek at our ‘Insomnia Theater’ episodes, you can clearly see how much we share not only a deep love of film but also a passion for using the medium to spark meaningful conversations. Our latest project, focused on the urgent story of the glaciers, reflects our shared belief in the power of cinema to shed light on environmental issues that affect us all. Working alongside Mark, whose creativity and commitment continually inspire me, makes the journey all the more rewarding,” Ganus said.
A Legacy of Accolades and Museum Screenings
Starks’ documentary, “The 50th Anniversary of Skylab: America’s First Space Station,” is a prime example of this collaborative success. This film, also narrated by Ganus, won a Jury Special Award at the XLNT Film Festival and has received “Best Documentary” honors at numerous others. Beyond the festival circuit, the film has also screened at museums, including the Space Center Houston and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations for Skylab. These screenings at prestigious institutions demonstrate the film’s educational and historical value, cementing Starks’ reputation as a respected filmmaker.
Starks and Ganus have also collaborated on the TV/streaming series “Insomnia Theater,” a retrospective of classic movies. The show, which premiered in January 2022, has garnered 28 international film awards to date, including Best Documentary and Best TV Series. Starks’ animated superhero series, “Martian,” has also won multiple awards, including “Best Sci-Fi,” “Best Voice Over” and “Best Poster.” These numerous accolades from various film festivals worldwide demonstrate Starks’ versatility and consistent ability to connect with diverse audiences and juries.
Starks tells FilmmakerLife Magazine:
“Filmmaking isn’t just about telling a story; it’s about building a world, brick by brick, from the ground up, and then inviting the audience to live in it for a little while.”
“Glaciers” has been submitted for consideration to several Academy Award-qualifying festivals, a testament to its powerful message and stunning cinematography.
Connect with Mark Starks
Marcel Padriano is a film analyst and writer with a focus on marketing, distribution, and the independent film circuit. His work blends industry knowledge with a sharp understanding of global trends, making his articles a valuable resource for filmmakers, producers, and creatives navigating today’s evolving cinematic landscape.