Simple, Accessible construction techniques for resilience
As climate events and global instability increase, the ability to build with local, natural materials is no longer optional—it’s essential. Using earth, clay, wood, straw, and stone, communities can create structures that are affordable, resilient, and eco-friendly. These methods are simple, accessible, and quick to learn, making them powerful tools for long-term independence.
We host hands-on, educational workshops that are free to local women. Our only ask is that "Fisher Women" who are trained will pledge to train three or more women, creating local empowerment and further impact.
Using natural and locally sourced materials, communities learn to build dome structures that can withstand extreme conditions while remaining repairable and replicable. Participants are trained in the full process—from material sourcing to structural design—so the knowledge stays within the community.
These structures serve as health outposts, women’s resource centers, and shared spaces for education and gathering—built not just to exist, but to evolve with the community over time.
The Story of Our Work…
The current of this movement flows from the life work of Philip Mirkin, after decades spent living and building within communities around the world—from Mexico to Fiji and beyond. As a builder, facilitator, and eco-village pioneer, he has focused on developing sustainable, low-cost construction methods using local materials. His approach is rooted in the belief that when people are given practical skills—especially women—they can create lasting systems of care, shelter, and resilience within their own communities.
That work expanded through his collaboration with filmmaker Tess Cacciatore, whose decades of experience in storytelling and social impact brought a new dimension to the project. Recognizing that these efforts were not isolated builds but part of a larger global movement, Tess will be documenting the process—capturing the voices, leadership, and transformation happening on the ground.
Together, they shaped The Fisher Women as both a hands-on initiative and a documentary series, connecting real-world impact with a broader narrative that can reach and inspire audiences far beyond the communities themselves.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tess Cacciatore, The Fisher Women is a documentary series capturing a model of community-led change as it unfolds across the globe.
Tess brings over three decades of experience in storytelling and social impact, with a focus on elevating voices that are often overlooked. Her work on this series is grounded in a commitment to authenticity—documenting real processes, real challenges, and real outcomes.
By following each project from the inside, the series creates a bridge between local action and global awareness—ensuring that the work being done in these communities is not only supported, but seen.
the 3 part documentary series
Tess Cacciatore EPK