Upcoming SCREENINGS

75% of the plants and animals are gone, and if we don’t act now they may be lost forever. Two young filmmakers embark to unmask the forgotten soul of Canada’s greatest ecological wonder.

Where millions of birds and billions of fish once thrived, now mere thousands struggle to co-exist with the unregulated growth of Metro-Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Local filmmakers Brendan Chu and Chris Jenkins explore the Fraser Estuary, the original river delta beneath the urban sprawl of Vancouver.

To solve the mysteries of this forgotten land, they meet with environmental activists, First Nations leaders, and specialized biologists. Led by indigenous wisdom and western studies, the filmmakers witness beautiful animals and mysterious sights. Soon, they see the “death of a thousand cuts” this once beautiful land has suffered through.

A new threat looms over the Fraser Estuary; in the migratory path of the fish and birds. Various concerned experts protest; ex-government workers reveal how environmental management has slipped into the hands of corporations and indigenous representatives describe how their stewardship is ignored by the decision makers of industry.

The filmmakers desire to use this film to bring the soul back to the Fraser; through educating the local public about the ecological history they walk on.

Movie Trailer

Participants

DIRECTOR - BRENDAN CHU

I was born and raised in Vancouver B.C. and many of the cities showcased in this film are places I have visited throughout my life. Working on this film has given me a completely new perspective on the world. So much of this film has involved me talking with complete strangers and learning so much about my home country. This film has evolved my creative process greatly because all of the events in this film are unplanned. my cinematographer and I and go out to meet with our characters and cinematic events begin to unfold literally right before our eyes, and we have to make sure we are there to capture it the best we can. From this experience, I am learning how to adapt as a filmmaker and how to let my ego go as I stop trying to write my documentary but rather focus on listening. Listening to the characters in our film, listening to the animals, listening to the environment around me.

Director - Chris Jenkins

Growing up in British Columbia I have had the privilege of living in the most pristine and beautiful ecosystem in the world. Because of this I have developed a deep connection to the lands surrounding me and their significance to both wildlife and humans. The conservation of the environment is the biggest force behind what I do, hoping to inspire and inform people of the social and environmental injustices happening in front of them. As the world continues to change we lose sight of what once was, our baseline shifts, and what we held on to most dear, and what we most depend on, slowly dissapears before our eyes.

Credits:

Ken Ashley - Executive Producer

Brendan Chu - Director / Producer / Editor

Chris Jenkins - Director / Cinematographer / Producer / Colourist

Conor Provenzeno - Editor

Jakob Dawson - Producer

Olivia Dawson - BTS Photographer

Henrique Andrade - Audio Engineer / Sound Editor

Greg Andersen - Composer

Kitty Guerin - Logo Artist