BIG WALL BATS follows Dr. Shannon "SJ" Joslin, a queer, nonbinary scientist leading groundbreaking work to save Yosemite’s bats from a deadly fungal disease. But when the National Park Service fires them for displaying a trans flag, the crisis becomes twofold: the bat program collapses, and a chilling government act of censorship threatens First Amendment rights. The film interweaves cliffside science, legal battles, and personal testimony to reveal how the fight for biodiversity is inseparable from the fight for justice. At its heart, BIG WALL BATS is about who gets silenced, who gets protected, and why our future depends on defending both the wild and our freedoms.

SJ’s journey isn’t just about bats—it’s about breaking barriers. As a member of the queer and trans community in Yosemite they navigated the conservative culture of the National Park system and rural America, and often faced pushback. Despite this, they emerged as a fierce advocate for inclusion, conservation, and scientific inquiry. Their work highlights the intersectionality of environmental and social justice, where protecting ecosystems also means creating equitable spaces for diverse voices. However, on Tuesday, August 12, SJ was fired from their dream job due to “failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct” in their capacity as a wildlife biologist studying white-nose syndrome among the 17 unique bat species in the park. The trans flag display, which lasted only two hours, was conducted on their own time and without any direct association to YNP or NPS.

Dr. Joslin led the pivotal program, Big Wall Bats, which started in 2018 to understand the potential for white-nose syndrome. With SJ's guidance, citizen scientists and colleagues document bat sightings and roost locations, providing vital data to understand these creatures’ habitats. Bats like the Canyon and Townsend's Big-Eared bat find sanctuary in Yosemite’s cracks and crevices. Their presence is a marker of the ecosystem’s health, but with the imminent threat of white-nose syndrome and now the loss of SJ from the team, the stakes couldn’t be higher. 

From the granite cliffs of Yosemite, the story transitions to California’s agricultural heartland. Here, bats emerge as unsung heroes, saving farmers billions of dollars annually by preying on pests. Interviews with almond and walnut growers, coupled with insights from agricultural scientists, reveal the complicated relationship between wildlife, food systems, and LGBTQ+ rights. Dr. Joslin's work creates a bridge between these worlds, showing how protest and vocalizing equality and justice for all has ripple effects far beyond the park’s borders.

The artistic vision for the film is to create a visceral experience that immerses the viewer in the world of Yosemite's vertical wilderness, where science, adventure, and social advocacy intersect. The film not only conveys the urgency of bat conservation but also the human stories behind it—stories of perseverance, resilience, and community. The contrast between silence and sound will reflect the balance between scientific inquiry and the patient work needed for conservation and fighting the political system. The film blends observational and vérité, following SJ from surveying on big walls to advocating for equality.

Nina (Director) and SJ’s (Co-Director) approach to filmmaking is grounded in collaboration, transparency, and care for everyone involved. SJ is a co-director because this is ultimately their story, and their perspective is central to the narrative. Nina and SJ have built a deep level of trust and understanding over the years, creating a foundation where SJ’s voice and decisions come first. Consent is key, and we maintain frequent check-ins to ensure SJ is comfortable with the film's direction. Since their story intersects with personal issues of health, identity, and professional challenges, transparency about the filmmaking process is vital. We discuss any concerns they may have and provide a space for everyone on the team to express their needs.

We are currently in late production. Having secured most of the footage while SJ was employed, we are raising funds to continue filming over the next several months, documenting in real time as SJ sues the government to fights to get their job back, alongside activism work in their community. This funding is crucial for us to be on the ground filming as SJ works to save the bats and to protect trans and queer rights in America.