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As the film industry becomes increasingly saturated, it is more important than ever to highlight the need to promote first-time filmmakers. These grassroots independent artists often have limited budgets but big ideas, and it is crucial to support and develop new filmmaking talent.
Lift-Off Global Network has been doing just that, giving thousands of filmmakers the opportunity to be discovered. Their First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival is a public event available via Vimeo On-Demand, showcasing the raw talent of true indie filmmakers.
One of the films featured in this festival is "Paddle to the Amazon", directed, written, and produced by Chris Forde. The documentary tells the incredible story of Don and Dana Starkell, a father and son who made a two-year, 20,000Km voyage of adventure and discovery. Along the way, they faced pirates, arrests, shootings. They also endured hurricanes, food poisoning, and near starvation. The film follows their journey in a vibrant photo-journalistic tone and through deeply personal interviews. It is a soulful journey of passion and determination, and is sure to leave the viewer inspired.
Local audiences will find Paddle To The Amazon particularly interesting, as it features Canadian adventurers Don and Dana Starkell, as well as Canadian author and adventurer James Raffan. The film also includes interviews with Canadian journalists Ritchie Gage and Hana Gartner.
The online screening of Paddle to the Amazon will be available from May 15th to May 29th as part of Lift-Off’s First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival. To purchase tickets and watch the film from the comfort of your own home, visit https://vimeo.com/ondemand/liftoffapril23f/
You can also watch the film by visiting www.paddletotheamazon.com