documentary films by eric palmer

For twenty years, I have been a documentary filmmaker chronicling stories about Monterey County. When I moved to Monterey at 18 and got to know my community over the years, I discovered a wealth of stories that I wanted to share with the community. By sharing my films, I hope you’ll recognize my interest and genuine love for Monterey. Enjoy.

  • extraordinary ord: the epic and unusual story of fort ord, california

    Welcome to Fort Ord, California- home to 18,000 acres of epic wilderness, including towering sand dunes, gnarled oak forests and sweeping hills; to thousands of residents, military, students, rare and endemic plants and animals; empty lots and decaying blight; CSU Monterey Bay and other institutions. The award-winning "Extraordinary Ord" will take you on a tour of the Fort and wilderness, learn about its storied history and find out what the community proposes to take its place. Will the Monterey Bay community come together to revitalize and protect "the Ord?"

    Featuring interviews with: Rep. Sam Farr, Fred Meurer, Jane Parker, Bruce Delgado, Jason Burnett, Jerry Edelen, Nancy Selfridge, Eric Morgan and Eduardo Ochoa

    WATCH

  • Abalone: Saga of a Monterey Bay Mollusk

    Monterey was once an abalone fishery powerhouse, with pioneering Japanese American divers plucking from what was called a “carpet of abalone” on the sea floor. Mountains of abalone shells could be seen on the waterfront. The film chronicles the history of abalone from indigenous tribes to commercial fishing and a worldwide delicacy to federal protection. Learn how canny local businessmen at Monterey Abalone Company came up with a clever solution to bring the sea snail delicacy back to dinner plates.

    “Abalone: Saga of a Monterey Bay Mollusk” won Best Documentary at the Monarch Film Festival.

    WATCH

  • gambatte kimashita: japanese flower growers of the monterey peninsula

    “As co-sponsors of this year’s History Slam in Monterey, Voices of Monterey Bay bestowed its own prize on the presentation it believes best captured the spirit and mission of VOMB. Our winner is Eric Palmer’s beautiful oral history project called “Gambatte Kimashita: Japanese Flower Growers of the Salinas Valley.” It is an American Dream story, and it feels very personal.” — Editors of Voices of Monterey Bay, April 16, 2021

    READ & WATCH

  • Monterey Pop 50 Stories: Introducing Jimi Hendrix

    I directed a documentary web series featuring memories from people who attended the iconic Monterey International Pop Festival to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

    The Pop Festival was a three-day concert that took place on June 16-18, 1967 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. It launched the careers of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Who, and served as the blueprint for music festivals to come, from Woodstock to Coachella.

    This is Episode 3 of 4. Find the rest of the series on YouTube by searching Monterey Pop 50.

    WATCH