Q&A With Producer and Writer Paula DuPré Pesmen

Oscar® Nominated, Emmy® Award- and Grammy® Award-winning Producer Paula DuPré Pesmen is one of Boulder's most decorated residents working in film today, as well as the founder of There With Care, a local nonprofit serving families facing critical illness and medical crises. Pesmen produced the Sundance Grand Jury Prize US Documentary-winner and Oscar-nominated film Porcelain War and the Oscar-winning feature documentary The Cove. In 2010, she was named Producer of the Year by the Producers Guild of America. For her philanthropic work, Pesmen was named a “Local Hero” by Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine. She will also be the Managing Director of Sundance Institute's upcoming festival relocation to Boulder in 2027.

How does Boulder inspire you creatively?
Living in Boulder and being surrounded by nature, other filmmakers, artists, a creative campus, and living in a community that is generous in service to others is meaningful and inspiring. On every film project I’ve been fortunate to work on, there have been others in our Boulder community who have helped bring these stories to the screen. The community is unique and collaborative, and that feeds the inspiration in all of us.

What excites you right now about what is going on with film in Boulder?
I've lived in Boulder for 30 years, and it’s incredibly exciting to see our film community growing and expanding our support for one another even more. With the Sundance Film Festival moving to Boulder, this adds to the growth and connectivity of our artistic community, festivals, businesses and the CU community in Boulder and around the state of Colorado.

What is a Boulder hidden gem you love?
There are so many places that I love in and around Boulder, but the trails just minutes from town are some favorites. I’m grateful for the moments when I can step away from work and, within minutes, be in nature, exploring the trails filled with calm beauty. When time is tight, Gregory Canyon Trail is always a beautiful escape that feels like you're miles from busy life. It’s a great way to reset and then come back and dive back into the projects on my plate.

What would your ideal Saturday or Sunday morning in Boulder look like?
Wake up and sit with two cups of tea (always!). Hang out with my family, visit with friends, go for a walk and see the wildflowers and whenever I can...watch a movie!

How do you think people can visit Boulder responsibly?
We’re so lucky, that the trails and nature around Boulder are for everyone to enjoy. As visitors and residents, we all need to be good stewards, stay on trails, don’t leave anything behind and respect the plants and animals that make Boulder so special. These things will ensure we can all continue to appreciate Boulder and all it has to offer.

What are some other organizations in Boulder you think are doing great things for the community?
It’s an honor to be a part of There With Care, which is so close to my heart, and it’s humbling to be among so many other organizations in Boulder that are all doing incredible work. I really love and appreciate the work of: Community Food Share, EFAA, Boulder International Film Festival, Open Studios, BMoCA, Dairy Arts Center, eTown, Local Theater Company, Safehouse, Blue Sky Bridge, Growing Gardens, Boulder Homeless Shelter, A Precious Child, and so many more.

How can visitors to Boulder support There With Care, whether during their stay or after they return home?
There With Care has an ongoing wish list of items needed to deliver to families including food, cleaning supplies, diapers, baby items and more. In-kind items can be dropped off at There With Care or can be sent through the Amazon Wish List. Financial support is always needed and helpful, as There With Care is supporting nearly 200 families each day with a critically ill child, and donations can be made at therewithcare.org.