The AFAR Project

A Feature Documentary

The Future Uncovers the Past

The AFAR Project is a feature length documentary film written and produced by AFAR alum Thaddaeus Friedline and cinematographer David N. Stiles. During the summer of 2024 the production team spent over two and half months embedded in  AFAR research projects in Spain, Portugal, and Belize, capturing the essence of the AFAR field experience through the eyes of the students and professionals studying these ancient landscapes. Bolstered by twenty five years of archival footage, The AFAR Project tells the coming-of-age story of this unique program, its students and founder. Moreover, this film illustrates the valuable resource young passionate students can be to science becoming self-sustaining in a climate where government funding is not always dependable. 

American Foreign Academic Research, better known as AFAR, is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access for individuals to experience first hand the wonders of archaeology through onsite excavations, education and outreach initiatives. AFAR was founded on the belief that the advancement of the science of archaeology is healthiest when non-professional populations are actively engaged and involved directly with the research. By connecting pre-collegiate students with professional archaeologists, academic institutions, and government agencies, AFAR has spent twenty years leading global archaeological research, education outreach, academic conferences, and site preservation at culturally significant locations. Since 2006, AFAR has overseen excavations at the classic Maya city of Cahal Pech in western Belize, the medieval castle site of Zorita de los Canes in central Spain, the Macedonian city of Mieza in northern Greece, and the ancient Roman coastal city of Tróia in Portugal. 

For more information on AFAR visit www.goafar.org .


Please join us on October 10th for an exclusive, one-night-only screening of a powerful new documentary celebrating 20 years of groundbreaking archaeology education. Be among the first to see this inspiring film, which highlights the impact of our unique field school program where high school students engage in college-level excavations and research. This special event marks the culmination of two decades of discovery, learning, and community—don’t miss this unforgettable tribute to a program that has unearthed not only the past, but the potential of generations of young archaeologists.

The event will be held at the historic Carolina Theater in downtown Charlotte. Doors open at 6:00 PM for concessions and mingling, and the film begins at 7:30 PM. While there’s no dress code, it’s a special night—feel free to dress up and make it an evening, or come as you are. All are welcome as we celebrate this incredible milestone together.

For tickets please click the link below.

Meet the Filmmakers

  • David Stiles

    DIRECTOR CINEMATOGRAPHER & EDITOR

    Raised in the backwoods of New England I learned to build, break, and fix things. I worked and wandered through life spinning tales of folklore. Adventure rang me up and we began a torrid love affair. Multiple coasts, countries and careers later I sat down and began telling stories through films. My mission in life is to engage you. If you have a story and need someone to shout it from the rooftops let me take a crack at it.

  • Thaddaeus Freidline

    CO-DIRECTOR & COMPOSER

    Born in Charlotte, North Carolina to a family of creatives; his father a world-renowned jazz pianist and mother an exceptional photographer, Thaddaeus was always taught to express himself creatively in many different forms and facets. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a Minor in Jazz Studies and in recent years has focused on filmmaking and music. He has had the opportunity to direct multiple music videos, direct musicals for the Thalian Association in Wilmington, compose music for numerous short films and videos, write and record original music varying in genres,  and live-stream a variety of national acts.

  • Tobias Ohlsson

    CO-DIRECTOR & EDITOR

    Swedish independent filmmaker, devourer of literature and lover of coffee. My love for filmmaking started at the early age of 7. When I reached my 20s I decided to take my passion to the next level; so I packed my bags, kissed suburban life farewell, and jumped on a plane to America where I attended film school in New York City. Over time I have honed my skills working in a vast variety of genres, such as narrative, documentary, branded content, music video, live concert, commercial, and television. What excites me the most about filmmaking is the process of starting with a blank sheet of paper, then through teamwork, innovation, and craftsmanship, steer a project across the finish line. In order to tell a great story, we need the courage to reach deep within ourselves; all the way to the core. Then take what we discover and bring it out into the world.