Songs of the Ancient Forest

At Off the Grid Studios, we’re honored to collaborate with an extraordinary group of partners on a project that unites art, nature, and conservation in a way few stories ever have. Songs of the Ancient Forest follows the creation and purpose of the Black Ram Guitar—a one-of-a-kind instrument built to help protect one of North America’s last truly wild places. Working alongside Breedlove Guitars, Jeff Bridges, Rick Bass, and an inspired lineup of musicians and advocates, we set out to tell the story of how a single guitar can give voice to an ancient forest.

The Black Ram Guitar

The Black Ram Guitar is more than an instrument—it’s a symbol of resilience and connection. Crafted from a 315-year-old wind-felled spruce tree from Montana’s Yaak Valley, it carries the spirit of the forest that inspired it. The Yaak’s Black Ram forest stands on the front line of the fight against logging and habitat loss, its protection vital to the region’s fragile ecosystem and its wildlife, including the threatened grizzly bear. Through this documentary, we aim to highlight not only the urgency of conservation but also the artistry and intention behind Breedlove’s sustainable craftsmanship and the creative collaboration it sparked.

Art as a Call to Action

Led by the voices of Jeff Bridges and Rick Bass, Songs of the Ancient Forest reveals what’s possible when artists, craftsmen, and filmmakers come together in defense of something larger than themselves. This project extends beyond the film—it’s a call to action, a reminder that creativity can drive change. The film premiered in preview at the Black Ram Guitar Fest, celebrating music, craftsmanship, and environmental stewardship, and will continue to screen at festivals worldwide. We’re proud to share this story and to stand with those working to protect the Yaak’s ancient forests for generations to come.