Center for Biological Diversity


Media Advisory, February 8, 2016

Contacts:  Katie Davis, Center for Biological Diversity, (801) 560-2414, kdavis@biologicaldiversity.org
Kelly Burke, Grand Canyon Wildlands Council, (928) 606-7870, kelly@grandcanyonwildlands.org
Sarah Ponticello, Sierra Club, (831) 998-2585, sarah.ponticello@sierraclub.org    

Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival to Feature Four New Films Showcasing
Proposed Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.— Four original films that capture the diverse cultural, recreational and biological values of the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument have been selected for screening during the 2016 Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival, taking place Feb. 11-14.

The films view the greater Grand Canyon region through the eyes of adventurers, tribal leaders, athletes, veterans, scientists and artists who explore, train, conduct research and live in this iconic landscape. The films capture the monumental beauty of Arizona’s greater Grand Canyon region and deliver a powerful message on the need to protect the area’s water sources, wildlife and heritage.

Films will be shown at Orpheum Theater during the following sessions:

Thursday, Feb. 11, 7-10 p.m.

  • Protect the Greater Grand Canyon’s Heritage, a film by Derek Doublin: An unwavering call by conservations and tribal leaders for President Obama to designate the public lands around the Grand Canyon as a national monument and protect this pristine area from uranium mining and other environmental threats.

Sunday, Feb.14, 5-7 p.m.

  • North Rim Notes, a film by Ed George: A stunning showcase of the landscapes of the greater Grand Canyon and the people who work, study and have lived in the Grand Canyon who support the proposed national monument.
  • The Land We Defend, a film by Ian Shive: A story of seven military veterans who were strangers before connecting in the wilderness of the Grand Canyon region.

Sunday, Feb. 14, 8-10 p.m.

  • Chasing the Distance, a film by Ian Shive: A personal look into the lives of ultra-running athletes and husband and wife team Rob Krar and Christina Bauer. They share their deep connection to each other and the area of the proposed Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument.

Interviews and film clips: Noted nature filmmakers Ed George and Ian Shive are available for interviews. Campaigners working for the designation of the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument will be also be available for comment. Film trailers and clips are available upon request.

Background
The culmination of more than a decade of effort by local Arizona communities to protect the culture and environment of the greater Grand Canyon region, the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument proposal presents a clear path toward more inclusive and ecologically sound management of America’s public lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.

In November 2015 Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), ranking member of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, introduced legislation that provides the framework for this national monument proposal. Support for the proposal also comes from local tribal nations and communities, local elected officials and a broad range of conservation, recreation and business interests across the state.

In light of congressional inaction, these groups, along with people across the country, have called on President Barack Obama to take action to protect the greater Grand Canyon region from toxic uranium mining and ensure a sustainable future for the people of northern Arizona by using his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate this national monument during his remaining year in office.


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