Directing

Ryan Dugger

Biography

Bandera Studios Founded by award-winning filmmaker Ryan Dugger, Bandera Studios is a production company dedicated to creating compelling, emotionally driven documentary films. Bandera’s mission is simple: to tell stories that inspire audiences and highlight the resilience of the human spirit. Sierra 914 Bandera’s debut feature-length documentary, Sierra 914, follows ultra-endurance athlete Will Turner through a grueling 914-mile triathlon in California’s Eastern Sierra. The film has earned international acclaim, winning Best Cinematography, the Maverick Award, and Audience Choice at the Richmond International Film Festival, as well as Best Feature Documentary at the Tennessee International Indie Film Festival. Sierra 914 continues its festival run after screenings at the prestigious Newport Beach Film Festival and the Boston Film Festival and is currently seeking distribution. Ryan’s Background Before founding Bandera Studios, Ryan built Creative Revolver, a successful photography and video production company with over 12 years of experience in commercial media. Through his team at Creative Revolver, he directed thousands of projects - honing both his technical expertise and his eye for storytelling. In 2023, Ryan transitioned his focus fully into documentary filmmaking with Bandera Studios, bringing with him a passion for authentic human stories and visually striking narratives. Previous Work Ryan’s directorial debut, The 500 Project, made a powerful mark on the endurance sports documentary space. The film won Best Short Documentary, Best Director, and the People’s Choice Award, and went on to be licensed for streaming on YouTube Movies & TV, Truth+, Stash, Relay, and Amazon Fire. Vision & Approach While Ryan’s roots lie in endurance storytelling, his vision extends far beyond sports. Bandera Studios seeks out inspiring, character-driven stories across all walks of life - films that celebrate perseverance, purpose, and the beauty of the human experience. Whether chronicling an athlete’s journey, a community’s legacy, or an individual’s moment of transformation, Bandera Studios is committed to producing films that challenge, uplift, and leave a lasting impact.