The West Kootenay EcoSociety and the Borderline Boaters Club invite the interested public to a screening of the documentary Damnation on September 10 at 7:30 at the Nelson Civic Theatre.
The documentary explores the growing awareness that our future is bound to the life and health of our rivers. With stunning imagery and intimate interviews, the film reveals the profound impact of dams on nature and society, and explores the successful efforts to remove dams and restore salmon populations.
“This is a perfect time to examine this issue,” said David Reid of the West Kootenay EcoSociety. “The Columbia River Treaty is under intense scrutiny, and there is a plan underway for a massive new dam in the Peace Valley. This film will stimulate a much-needed re-thinking of our relationship to rivers here in the Kootenays.”
DamNation not only covers the history and the science of dams, but it conveys the mystery, thrill, and power of wild rivers. The film challenges the cultural and environmental impacts of dams and invites the viewer to imagine – and experience – the impact of returning wildness to rivers such as the Elwha on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
Local filmmaker and kayaker Carl Jacks will also debut his film “Enter the Incomappleaux”. The film documents a kayak descent of hte wild Incomappleaux River near Nakusp. The Incomappleux valley has been the source of intense controversy as locals have fougt off attempts to log and dam the wild river and its ancient forests.
The film screens Wednesday September 10 at 7:30pm at Nelson Civic Theatre. Tickets are $12, with members of West Kootenay EcoSociety, Borderline Boaters, students and seniors enjoying reduced admission at $10.