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Peter Goetz
Founder & Director at Backroads Pictures
Peter Goetz is a prominent documentary filmmaker and the founder of Backroads Pictures, where he serves as Executive Producer. With over 20 years of experience in the film and television industry, Goetz has worked with major networks including Netflix, HBO, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel, creating impactful documentary films and series that often focus on social and environmental issues.
Early Career and Background
Goetz's journey into filmmaking began after he worked on mainstream television shows such as Survivor and The Amazing Race. He gained significant experience as a storyteller, which led him to pursue his passion for documentary filmmaking. His first major project was a bilingual documentary titled Sofia, which tells the story of the first female World Champion Surfer from South America. This film was released on Netflix and showcased his ability to blend personal narratives with broader cultural themes.12
Backroads Pictures
In 2016, Goetz founded Backroads Pictures to focus on mission-driven storytelling. The company aims to create documentaries that educate, inspire, and provoke thought about pressing global issues. Under his leadership, Backroads Pictures has produced notable works such as Blood on the Wall and Torn Apart: Separated at the Border, which address critical topics like immigration and climate change.12 Goetz emphasizes the importance of empathy in storytelling, aiming to humanize complex issues through character-driven narratives.
Notable Projects
Some of Goetz's significant projects include:
- Torn Apart: Separated at the Border (2019): A documentary exploring family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border during the Trump administration.
- Blood on the Wall (2020): This film examines the impact of border policies on immigrant communities.
- Biden for President Campaign Series: A film series capturing personal stories related to climate change across America.13
Personal Insights
Goetz describes his filmmaking approach as one that embraces risk-taking, stating that stepping into risk often leads to the most rewarding experiences. His diverse background includes fluency in Spanish and Portuguese, which has enriched his storytelling capabilities and allowed him to connect with various cultures during his travels.12
Overall, Peter Goetz is recognized not only for his work in documentary filmmaking but also for his commitment to using media as a tool for social change.

