Faculty, staff, students and the public are invited to attend a film screening of “Freeland — A Blackwater Story” at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Media Innovation Center.
Directed by Justin Harris, the film explores the history of the Blackwater River in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest, and the kayaking community that has developed around it.
“West Virginia whitewater is famous around the world, and although visitors and residents will only experience the commercially guided rivers like the New River, Cheat River or Gauley River, there is a public fascination with our more remote rivers that decorate our state and the intrepid paddlers that first ventured down them,” said Nathan Harlan, executive director of the Office of Student Wellness.
"The film explores this heritage and provides front row access to the people who pioneered whitewater paddling in the mountain state as well as to the Blackwater River itself; a river that most of us only get to experience from the safety of the boardwalks and overlooks," Harlan added.
Justin is an award-winning documentary film maker who resides in Canaan Valley and has recently partnered with WVU to document and support an innovative river-based education project called the River Field Studies Network which hosted a collection of STEM educators from around the country to learn about community-engaged pedagogy, placed-based storytelling, outdoor experiential learning and hope.
Nicolas Zegre, professor of forest hydrology coordinated the project in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University and is also a passionate whitewater kayer.
"Justin's work in the Blackwater story, as well as his work with the River Field Studies Network showcases what makes the Mountain State unique and abundant whitewater, beautiful forests and vibrant communities, all which provide unparalleled outdoor classrooms that bring WVU students to the river and the community. His films bring the places and people to life in a way that celebrates and advances our whitewater culture,” Zegre said.
A teaser for the project will be show before the Blackwater Story.