| Article featured in the IFQ magazine that was on display at the Cannes film festival last month. Independent Film Quarterly - 2007 Cannes Special Edition "Big River" makes Creativity Flow By Briege McGarrity Apalachicola River: An American Treasure is an exquisitely shot film by award-winning Floridian filmmaker and cinematographer, Elam Stoltzfus, who specializes in nature documentaries. Viewers take a unique and breathtaking journey down the Apalachicola River, which meanders through 107 miles in the panhandle of Florida to the port town of Apalachicola on the Gulf of Mexico. Fittingly even the name Apalachicola River is every bit as fascinating and complex as the river itself and its very existence will completely alter your perception of Florida and its hard-working, ethereal inhabitants. As with most high quality docs, the film contains plenty of stunning visuals as well as compelling discussions about controversial issues that threaten the river and its estuaries such as dredging, water wars between the states of Florida, Alabama and Georgia as well as in- creasing gas prices, governmental restrictions, lack of funding, the disastrous effects of Hurricane Dennis and "explosive growth" along coastal areas. We also encounter at least 30 dynamic characters and personalities, including scientists, botanists, bee keepers, ecologists, environmentalists, bird watchers, boat builders, photographers, artists, commercial fishermen, shrimpers, politicians, activists and locals who make their livelihood on the Apalachicola Bay, all of whom desper- ately want to preserve the river. The characters all have passion and a deep-rooted love and respect for nature and the "Big River," the vernacular term for the Apalachicola River. The most amazing accom- plishment of this film is the wide variety of filmmaking techniques used to tell this special but rather complicated story. In less than an hour, we are treated to a rich history of the river and the region, historical reenactments, still photographs, insightful interviews and expert nar- ration. Special segments are cleverly interweaved that tap into the social and cultural fabric of the region, art, nature, spirituality, politics and science. Mastered on HDcam 1080i, the film also boasts an atmospheric soundtrack by accomplished musician Sammy Tedder. The music, which is at times haunting, is a perfect match for the amazing cinematogra- phy that really captures the scenic beauty of the river. Other market- able elements include guest appearances by photojournalist Richard Bickel and world-renowned fine-art landscape photographer Clyde Butcher. The river that "belongs to everyone" is sure to peak the inter- est of buyers and film distributors worldwide. Such a unique and ambitious film necessitated a deeper understand- ing of its elements and the catalyst for making the film in the first place. IFQ had the pleasure of interviewing acclaimed filmmaker Elam Stoltzfus. IFQ; Tell me why you chose to make a film about the Apalachicola River? Elam Stoltzfus: There are many spectacular places to film in Florida, but the Apalachicola River and its tributaries are elusive and not well understood. There is a quiet serenity on the river, but an untamed and mysterious side in the back-waters of the river. The abundance of textures and shapes, spectrums of light, change of seasons, levels of water, combined with the collection of species that are unique to this area creates a filmmakers delight. Having the opportunity to capture images of nature in the region I call home, and to share those images with others has put a smile on my face and satisfaction in my soul. Additionally, during my last PBS special, Living Wafers: Aquatic Pre- serves of Florida, I traveled across Florida to film stories about 12 aquatic preserves. During my travels, I realized there was an untold story in my own backyard: a story about the "big river and the idea just grew from there." IFQ: Can you explain a bit more about the film? ES: My film is a memoir of sorts; it is the photographic story of the history of Native Americans and other settlers whose descendants still live in northwest Florida; it is the story of people who make their liv- ing from the river; it is the story of politics and waterwars between Georgia/Alabama and Florida. If showcases the “haunting beauty* of rareiy seen places like the River Styx, Dead Lakes, Kennedy Creek, Chipola River and Tale's Hell. IFQ: I am sure you had an enormous amount of footage. What was the scale of the crew for this film? ES: I hired several native Floridians to help me flesh out the film. Scriptwriter, Jane Atkins is a direct descendent of early settlers and Native Americans has has 30 years experience as a Hollywood script writer. Sammy Tedder is the composer of original music scored for this film. River cane reeds from the banks of the Apalachicola River were handcrafted into musical instruments by Tedder to create ethe- real harmonies that accompany the stunning cinematography. Guest artists include photojournalist Richard Bickel of Apalachicola, FL and fine art landscape photographer Clyde Butcher of Ochopee, FL along with special appearances by other local artists and personalities. IFQ: Tell me about your career as a documentarian. ES: For the past 15 years, I have documented diverse aspects of Florida's natural resources that include estuaries, rivers, swamps and aquatic preserves. I graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Communications and then formed Live Oak Production Group. We have produced several award-winning films that show- case nature and the great outdoors. I have experience as a writer, cinematographer, editor, producer and director. IFQ: What were some of the highs and low of shooting the film, as it must have been amazing but time consuming? ES: During the first few months of production it rained and rained. The river was dangerously high and in flood stage. So high, that we could not access the river. Doing nature photography takes patience and endurance. I'd come home wet, sweaty, dirty and tired. This was a new experience for many local people featured in the film. Some of these areas here in North Florida are very remote and people live a life of self-sufficiency. They still make a living off the water and land. They are great people and have a wonderful quality of life. On a more positive note, it was a great feeling to finally tell this story after trying get this together for about 6 years. Of course, almost all the people in the film were folks that I knew or knew of. The greatest pleasure is that people tell me, "thanks for telling our story, thank you for doing this." This is a reward that is priceless. It also was a thrill to work with the crew and my family who assisted with filming, audio, travel and worked around the long and demanding hours of post- production of the film. IFQ: How has the film been received on the festival circuit? Has it won any awards? ES: It has been received well and has won several awards including The Houston International Film Festival (Bronze Remi Award) for Ecology/Environment/Conservation, Florida Choice Award - Tampa Independent Film Festival, Napa-Sonamo Wine Country Film Festival Award for Best Documentary - Eco Cinema GAIA Award, 2006 Auro- ra Award Film and Video Award in Gold for Original Music and Gold for Cinematography, 2006 Emmy-Nominee at the Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards for Composition/Arrangement of music. IFQ: Congratulations. You are incredibly talented and no doubt we will see more breathtaking nature odysseys for many years to come. For more information, visit the documentary's website: www.apalachicolaamericantreasure.com. IFQ - Independent Film Quarterly / Issue 13 |
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