The 2024 SkeenaWild Film and Photo Festival began in Terrace, B.C. at the Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse on Saturday, Nov. 16.
The festival shines a light on the melting pot of stories, visions and perspectives of the Skeena watershed in the form of original short films, features, youth films and photographs.
"Seeing what the Skeena means to our collective communities is always incredibly inspiring, and this year, the theme of community and unity was strong," wrote Alice Arbuthnot, communication manager for SkeenaWild.
"Maybe it鈥檚 because life has been tough these last few years, but what is reflected in the submissions, in true Northern fashion, is when the going gets tough, community comes together and sticks together," she continued. "The stories 鈥� some contemplative and retrospective, some goofy, playful and full of adventure 鈥� are about people and place. About friends, family, and communities sharing space."
The short film category included films with serious topics like the challenges facing the salmon and steelhead populations in the Skeena River, to fun films showing the abundance of adventure in the Skeena region on trails, frozen lakes, and the mountains. Skeena -Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach's short, "Paddle to the People," depicted the inspiring landscapes, lives and livelihoods he saw on his third-annual solo canoe trip down the Kispiox and Skeena Rivers.
The youth films put a smile on everyone's face, from Brooklyn Desousa's claymation film titled, "Claybound at Shames - A Snowman's Journey," to Arbour Tilson's, "Top 5 Parks in Terrace." "Dangers of the Skeena," by Xavier Grielens and Cedar Talstra delivered a humorous and sarcastic take on the danger of sharks in the Skeena river. Oasis Cleveland's, "Return of the Salmon," was developed, produced, acted and edited by youth ages 12-18 who attended the SkeenaWild Youth leadership and conservation five-day camp. It was about a sockeye salmon called Sammy as he returns home to his birth river to spawn.
The festival's feature films were filled with emotion.
"Following the Good Story," by Kelly Marsh depicted students from Kitimat City High learning about the return of the G鈥檖sgolox mortuary totem pole that was stolen from its location in the Kitlope in northwest B.C. in 1929. It was an emotional and uplifting story about a group of high school students connecting with historical events and the wise words from elders.
"Living Landscapes of SG瘫ang Gwaay: K瘫鈥檜ljaad," by Gwaii Haanas followed the restoration of SG瘫ang Gwaay Llnagaay after a hurricane force windstorm event blew down over a hundred trees at the Haida Heritage Site in winter of 2018. It dove into the history and rich culture found in the village.
Julian Krick's, "Midsummer Adventure: Hometown Edition," set up an adventurous summer day in Terrace with his partner, who was 38 weeks pregnant. Since they had to stay within 30 minutes of the hospital and could not leave the city limits 鈥� which are filled with outdoor activities 鈥� he had to improvise.
During intermission, the photo finalists were shown on screen in the following categories: Wild People, Wild Places, Wild Things, and Youth.
The voting period for the films and photographs has begun. Winners will be announced by mid-December. Voting can be accessed on the festival's website.
The films and photographs will also be screened at events hosted in other communities. In Smithers, there will be two screenings on November 26 and 27 hosted by What Matters in Our Valley and Skeena Knowledge Trust at Smithers Brewing. In Prince Rupert, Northcoast Mountain Bike Association will host a screening on December 12th. Tickets are sold through the hosts.
The films will go online after Dec. 12.
"We dreamt this festival up in 2010 as a way to support local homegrown talent, promote the Skeena Watershed and its beauty, and bring our communities together to share stories," said Arbuthnot. "It has continued this way ever since."
