Blackwaters Film and Discussion

Saturday, May 18, 6 - 9 p.m.

Learn more about this event

Join us at the Bell Museum for a screening of the documentary film Blackwaters: Brotherhood in the Wild and a chance to meet the cast. The Department of Forest Resources, in partnership with the Bell Museum, Minneapolis Parks Foundation, and Melanin in Motion, is pleased to present this event. This event is free with registration and open to the public. Register for your tickets today!

Filmed at Alaska's Gates of the Arctic Circle National Park, the documentary weaves a fly-fishing adventure with discussions about being a Black man in America, the healing power of nature, and the need for greater representation of Black outdoorsmen. At their campsite, five Black fishermen tackle questions such as, "Where do I as a Black man fit in nature?” and, "How do we hold space in nature as anglers paving the road for our next generation of young men so they could see us and know this space is for them just as much as for everyone?” Crafted of dialogue and adventure, the film emphasizes dismantling the fear for BIPOC individuals to pursue their journey in the outdoors.

A Q&A with the film's makers will follow the screening along with a reception and light refreshments.

Schedule

Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
Event begins at 6 p.m. Total film time: 41 minutes.
Panel discussion 7–7:30 p.m.
Informal reception following.

About the Film

Blackwaters encompasses the power of five Black men whose paths have been challenged with loss, defeat, fear, pain, and the social injustices Black men and Black boys face every day. Through surviving life’s trials, each man has found grace and success in the outdoors, healed and mended by nature’s medicine, embracing the art of fly fishing and building brotherhood. The film highlights their journey through the Gates of the Arctic Circle National Park and follows their adventures and dialogue as they learn to hold space in nature as anglers paving the road for the next generation.

Plus, join additional Blackwaters events in Minneapolis!

As part of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation's Next Generation of Parks event series, the cast of Blackwaters will be participating in several events in Minneapolis this weekend. Learn more on the Next Generation of Parks webpage.