James Johnson IlI (Koyukon Athabaskan) is from Fairbanks, Alaska with roots in the Rampart and Kokrines villages. He is a filmmaker focused on telling narrative and documentary stories centered on climate justice, language, and traditional ways of life. He is a co-founder of the indigenous filmmaking company Deenaadai Productions LLC. James spent several years as an Indigenous evaluator before transitioning into filmmaking. He holds a certificate in Rural Human Services and BA in Sociology, both from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is a current participant in the Alaska Native Filmmakers Intensive, an ongoing project through Native Movement and UAF Film & Theatre. Over the past several years, James has served as a primary editor on "Diiyeghan Naii Taii Tr'eedaa" and as DP and editor on Gath & Kiyh, a short film featuring world renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma. James continues to build on his filmmaking skill sets while staying passionate about the work and impact his projects have on uplifting Indigenous stories.