Return of the River
PRESENTED BY: Meaningful Movies of Issaquah
“Return of the River” offers a story of hope and possibility amid grim environmental news. It is a film for our time: an invitation to consider crazy ideas that could transform the world for the better. It features an unlikely success story for environmental and cultural restoration.
Fundamentally, the Elwha River in Washington State is a story about people and the land they inhabit. The film captures the tenacity of individuals who would not give up on a river, mirroring the tenacity of salmon headed upstream to spawn. It is a narrative with global ramifications, exploring the complex relationship between communities and the environment that sustains them.
The camera soars over mountain headwaters, dives into schools of salmon, and captures turbines grinding to a halt; as the largest dam removal project in history begins. The film features people and perspectives on all sides of the Elwha debate, reflecting the many voices of the Elwha valley.
Special Guests: Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) - http://www.issaquahfish.org/
Release Year: 2014
Running Time: 69 min
Director: John Gussman and Jessica Plumb
6 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationReturn of the River is a poignant tale, with lessons for all of us. Please come!
Where and when can I see your film? I live in Port Angeles, WA.
Great film!
Unfortunately, we don’t yet have a Meaningful Movies venue in the Port Angeles or Port Townsend area, although we’d love to find a group that would be interested in doing this to connect with (…or someone already doing sim that we can partner with). If you hear of anyone in the general area, please point them our way. The website section ‘Start A Group’ might be helpful.
The film may be online to stream on the film’s website (sans discussion, unfortunately) but I’m not sure. It looks like it’s showing on Orcas mid-Sept – you might follow their calendar for future postings: http://www.elwhafilm.com/calendar.htm
It will be showing in Issaquah (Meaningful Movies of Issaquah) on 9/23 if you’re in the area. More info: https://meaningfulmovies.org/events/return-of-the-river-3/.
Thanks for the note! -Rick
Also showing at Beacon Hill on Nov 20. Too bad Olympic National Park can’t do a showing periodically or maybe the Elwha tribe.
What a great idea! Why wouldn’t they?
This seems the material that ought to live at least in Olympic National Park in perpetuity.
AND, of all places that should have this available for public view, it would be Port Angeles – they were an integral [part of this process.
When I’m back in town, let’s strategize a bit. The Elwah should have this for sure.
Thanks Christina – I’m so glad you’ll be showing this on the 20th! It’s an amazing film that documants a great contemporary history, and continues to draw crowds! …5 screenings by various Meaningful Movies groups alone!!
Thanks again Beacon Hill, along with Wallingford, Edmonds/Sno-King, Issaquah, & Bellevue!
Looking forward to tonight’s showing in Issaquah!