A documentary film following Durango paddler Andy Corra’s 2010 world-record feat is one of the highlights of the Animas River Days Movie Night Kick-off party to be held Thursday. This year’s film festival theme is “Celebrate Wild Rivers.”
“24 Hours” is one of several films that is either locally produced or features Durango. Others capture action on Browns Canyon of the Arkansas River near Salida, the renovation of the Durango Whitewater Park and a film following Durango paddlers on global adventures. Also expected to draw local attention will be a screening of “The Current,” the Fort Lewis College-produced documentary about the Animas River.
Here is the Animas River Days Movie Night lineup:
“The Spirit of Browns Canyon” – Just above Salida, the Arkansas River ambles, courses and plunges through Browns Canyon, dropping 360 feet in 10 miles, gaining power for whitewater enthusiasts.
“The Current” – A small group of friends set out on five-week expedition to understand the condition of the Animas River Basin. The group began at the river’s source and skied, hiked, kayaked and rafted more than 400 miles to Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona.
“Durango’s Park” – This is a story of Durango’s whitewater park and the forthcoming changes to the park. It tracks the design process with the Army Corps of Engineers and explains how, through a quirk of Colorado water law, one can obtain a larger water right for recreation than for the environment.
“SUPPIN Colorado” – This has traditional River Days fare with whitewater descents, surfing and fun on a stand-up paddle board (SUP).
“24 Hours” – The Yukon paddling adventure of Durango’s Andy Corra is documented as he broke the 24-hour paddling record, sanctioned by the Guinness people.
“Cascada” – Pro kayakers Anson Fogel and Skip Armstrong hunt the remote Mexican jungle for the perfect waterfall amid tangled vines, endless rain, bugs, disease and questionable lodging options.
“Walk on Water” – When a skiing accident left Greg Mallory paralyzed from the waist down, he turned to kayaking to help him escape his wheelchair. Now he’s an accomplished Class V whitewater paddler who finds life’s meaning on the river.
“Congo: The Grand Inga Project” – Fearless kayaker Steve Fisher takes on massive rapids and whirlpools as well as logistical nightmares and local politics in the African interior.
Kids 12 and younger receive free admission for bringing a poster using the theme “Wild Rivers – Wild Kids.”
ted@durangoherald.com
If you go
The Animas River Days Movie Night and Kick-off party will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Smiley Building, 1309 East Third Ave. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Maria’s Bookshop, Pine Needle Mountaineering, 4Corners Riversports, or online at www.sanjuancitizens.org.
For more information, call 259-3583.
