When explorer Drew Copeland and filmmaker Jon Chiang phoned me for advice on their mountain film, I thought I would never hear from them again. I suggested they refrain from making yet another “man conquers the mountain” movie. “We already have too many of those.”
Seems they agreed with me. The documentary, which will be shown at the Bowen Island Conservancy AGM on Nov. 23, is a thoughtful contemplation of the waters of Howe Sound/Atl’kitsem, as well as a spectacular mountain film. It’s clear Drew and Jon went on their adventure with open hearts, to discover where the waters come from and to understand how they are connected to that water.
Drew worked throughout Canada as a canoe guide and has been inspired by the Coast Mountains ever since he arrived on the west coast 10 years ago. His curiosity to see what lies over the next hill compels him to seek the less traveled terrain. Guided by his passion for the outdoors, he co-created a guiding-tourism enterprise––outdoor-explore.com––to share the beauty of these hills with others.
Jon, a director based in Vancouver, focuses on creating intimate and moving branded films for his clients. His previous short documentary The Lion was awarded the people’s choice award at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. Sound Water is Jon’s first outdoor short documentary.
In Sound Water, a team of seven men and one woman ski the Elaho Range––the headwaters of the Squamish River and the top of the Howe Sound watershed.
“We love Howe Sound and were curious to explore the region,” says Drew. “Being free of the struggles of keeping up with work life, and our digital connections, our minds and spirits fell open to new curiosities about this space and our place in it.”
After an exciting week in the alpine, Jon and Drew carried on exploring what it means to be in Howe Sound. They followed the course of water from its headwaters to the Salish Sea where they connected with Squamish Nation councillor Deanna Lewis in her kayak. Deanna, who has spent her life in and on the water, is now raising her family in Howe Sound.
Next they travelled to Bowen Island. Did I mention they asked me to be in the film? Drew and Jon told me they were inspired by my book, Whale in the Door. The book is a cultural, environmental, and spiritual history of Howe Sound, and an honouring of the resilience of the land and the people. They interviewed me in my home and by the lagoon.
“We hoped to find a closer relationship with nature and ourselves,” Drew tells me. “And we were grateful to you and Deanna for sharing your stories and helping us to better understand the meaning of our adventure to the hills.”
Sound Water was shown last March at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, as well as in Whistler, Squamish and other locations, to appreciative audiences. Everyone is welcome at the AGM to see the film and there is no admission fee, although donations are appreciated.
The AGM begins at 1 p.m. Nov. 23 at BICS room 2. The film will be shown at 2 pm. The filmmakers will be in attendance and a Q&A will follow the screening. Come and be blown away by the spectacular nature of our magnificent fjord, your home.
