When P-22 the beloved mountain lion of Griffith Park passed away in 2022, Los Angeles—and the world—mourned together. Yet his story didn’t end there. P-22 became a symbol of resilience, coexistence and the possibility of wildlife thriving in the heart of a busy city.

P-22: The Legacy Lives On, nominated as a 2025 finalist at the Jackson Wild Media Awards in the Innovation in Green Production category, is a new film that carries forward the enduring message of harmony between nature and urban life, both in story and in practice.

More than a documentary, P-22: The Legacy Lives On is a heartfelt tribute to urban wildlife, the challenges of coexistence and, the legacy of one remarkable animal who reshaped how we see nature in cities. P-22’s story helped inspire a global conservation movement, including the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, soon to span the 101 Freeway near Los Angeles.

Innovation in Green Filmmaking

The Innovation in Green Production award celebrates Filmmaking that reduces its environmental impact—something central to this project. Inspired by P-22, the production embraced a hyper-local, low-emission approach that proved small-scale filmmaking can be sustainable without sacrificing creativity or quality.

• Local roots: Every crew member was based in Los Angeles with equipment, post-production, and services sourced within a 10 miles radius of Griffith Park.
• Clean energy: Solar-charged batteries and LED lighting powered the shoot, eliminating the need for diesel generators.
• Zero waste: Composting, recycling, and waste-free food service diverted 95% of production waste from landfills.
• Plastic-free & paperless: Reusable water bottles replaced single-use plastics, and the workflow was entirely digital.
• Indigenous voices: Meaningful consultation with the Gabrielino-Tongva community placed land stewardship and cultural sustainability at the heart of the story.

Making sustainable choices enhanced creativity rather than limited it

“Sustainable choices often made the production feel more authentic and connected. Everyone brought not just technical skill but, also a personal connection to Los Angeles and Griffith Park.

That local knowledge gave us new creative perspectives on filming locations and urban wildlife storytelling. The landowners who supported the shoot, when filming on P-22’s territory next to Griffith Park, opened doors that might not have been possible with a more traditional and resource-heavy approach.”

Collaboration with the Gabrielino-Tongva community

“Collaborating with the Gabrielino-Tongva community was central to grounding the film in a sense of place and continuity with the land. Through their guidance on land stewardship and cultural traditions, we could frame P-22’s story within a much deeper narrative of coexistence. “

“ Alan Salazar’s narration brought an authentic and authoritative voice, while the music contributions from Lazaro Arvizu rooted the soundscape in Tongva tradition. This collaboration gave a voice to the First Nations and ensured that the story wasn’t just about a mountain lion but about the larger relationship between people, wildlife, and land in Los Angeles.” – Director Tony lee

A Grassroots Conservation Film

Produced independently and financed by director Tony Lee, the film was built on the dedication of local crews and the generosity of landowners who opened their spaces for filming. With creativity and commitment, the team proved that effective conservation films don’t require large budgets—only heart, ingenuity, and respect for the land.

“This project was built from the ground up on a local, sustainable model with low cost financing. That approach guided every decision. If anything, the takeaway is that these methods worked so well, I’d encourage more filmmakers to see that sustainability is not a constraint and doesn’t have to be expensive, but a framework for creativity.” – Director Tony Lee

Carrying P-22’s Message Forward

P-22’s passing was a moment of collective grief, however his story continues to inspire new approaches to coexistence with wildlife including the growing momentum for wildlife crossings as vital conservation tools. P-22: The Legacy Lives On embodies that inspiration not only in its story but also in its making, with environmental responsibility at its core.

As a finalist for the 2025 Jackson Wild Media Awards, the film celebrates the memory of a mountain lion who captured the world’s heart while reminding us how storytelling can help shape a more hopeful, sustainable future.