(Riverton, WY) – Wyoming PBS has been awarded a $34,750 grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund to support post-production of “Call of the West,” a feature-length documentary exploring the 100-year legacy of dude ranching in America. The film is directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Mat Hames and produced by Wyoming PBS.
“Call of the West” chronicles the rise of the western dude ranch as an enduring symbol of the American West, focusing on the families and individuals who built this industry and those working to preserve these ranches today.
“Wyoming PBS’s primary mission is to document and share Wyoming’s culture, history, and stories,” said Judd Rogers, Executive Director of the Wyoming PBS Foundation. “This project directly aligns with their core mission and builds upon their tradition of creating outstanding local productions.”
The film will feature interviews with prominent figures including Russell True, author of two books on dude ranching history and current Chairman of the Dude Ranch Foundation, and members of the Eaton family, operators of America’s oldest dude ranch established in 1879 in Wolf, Wyoming.
The documentary explores how dude ranches provide a vital connection between urban Americans and the natural world. With 89% of the U.S. population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, the film argues that dude ranches serve an increasingly important role in preserving America’s connection to nature and heritage.
“What makes me laugh? When people say how nice it must feel to be on vacation all the time,” said Russell True, who hopes the documentary will showcase the authentic reality of dude ranching.
Josie Hedderman, Executive Director of the Dude Ranch Foundation, praised the project’s importance: “A key part of our mission is cultivating appreciation for the landscapes, traditions, and values that define our Western way of life. This film honors that legacy while spotlighting the vital role dude ranches play in preserving it for future generations.”
Filming is scheduled to conclude by August 2025, with the documentary completed by January 2026, followed by a Wyoming PBS broadcast and streaming distribution. The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund grant will cover 50% of post-production costs, with Wyoming PBS providing an equal cash match of $34,750 from its state-funded production endowment.
Wyoming PBS, which reaches 97% of Wyoming residents, has a strong tradition of documenting the state’s culture and heritage through partnerships with filmmakers like Emmy Award-winning director Mat Hames.
The project has garnered strong support from industry organizations, including letters of endorsement from the Dude Ranch Foundation and True Ranch Collection.