Travis Holt Hamilton is a filmmaker with a singular goal: to produce twelve feature films before considering himself a true filmmaker. Despite having already produced five theatrically released feature films, Hamilton views himself as a minor leaguer still striving to make it in the big leagues. He believes that producing twelve films will help him achieve this goal.
Growing up in Twin Falls, Idaho, Hamilton spent his childhood riding horses and mules, playing sports, and spending time with family. An avid outdoorsman, he lettered in high school baseball and basketball, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Hamilton's early exposure to film came when he was cast as an extra in a Disney movie, which sparked his passion for the craft. He went on to land his first speaking role as the lead character in the 2002 adventure film The Shadow of Light, after which he was "bit by the film bug" and has never looked back.
As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hamilton served a two-year mission on the Hopi and Navajo reservations, an experience that has greatly influenced his filmmaking. He is the owner of Holt Hamilton Films, which focuses on finding and sharing great stories that need to be told, particularly in underserved indigenous communities.
Hamilton is a combat veteran of the United States Army and holds a master's degree in applied cultural anthropology from Northern Arizona University. He wrote his first film, Turquoise Rose, while deployed to the Middle East in 2003, and later produced and released it in 2007. The film's distribution was largely self-funded, with Hamilton using 11 credit cards to cover the costs.
Hamilton has continued to face challenges in distributing his films, but has worked his way into mainstream theaters with his later releases. His latest film, Legends from the Sky, was shown in over 35 theaters across the United States, spanning from Alaska to North Carolina.
Throughout his career, Hamilton has produced five feature-length films and one documentary: Turquoise Rose (2007),Blue Gap Boy'z (2008),Pete & Cleo (2010),Oreland C. Joe (2011),More Than Frybread (2012),and Legends From The Sky (2015). He is one of a select few filmmakers focused on indigenous stories that aim to have a positive impact on the world.
Hamilton resides in Mesa, Arizona, with his wife, Rebekah, and their five children. In his free time, he enjoys summiting mountains, having already reached the highest point in 12 of the 50 states as of 2020.
