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Columbia River Canoe Project Hits the Road This Winter with Over a Dozen Awards and Honors

January 28, 2025

Butte, Montana (Jan. 28, 2025) – The Columbia River Canoe Project first premiered in Butte, Mont. in September 2024 and has since secured over a dozen awards and recognitions. The film has been traveling the country and now the globe, having sold out its first four events in January. Inspiring people through the remarkable experience of two cousins, the film follows the pair’s 1,300-mile canoe journey, which aims at raising awareness of the ecological challenges affecting the Columbia River Watershed.

“The response to the film has exceeded my expectations,” said Robert Lester, the film’s expedition leader. “I’m lucky to get to attend most of the film’s showings on the tour, and my favorite part is getting to talk with viewers and answer their questions after the show! It means so much to me that people are interested enough to take time out of their busy lives to learn about our journey and the health of the Columbia River Watershed.”

To date, the film has won ‘Best Documentary’ and ‘Festival Favorite’ awards from the Twin Falls SANDWICHES Film Festival, a ‘’Best Mid-Length Film’ award from SOAR Film Festival, a ‘Determination Winner’ from the Old Towne Film Festival, ‘Best Environmental Documentary’ from the LA International Art Film Festival, was a Cervara Soulplace Film Festival award winner, and has won official selections, nominees, or honorable mentions from the British Columbia Environmental Film Festival, the World’s Independent Film Festival (TWIFF), Northwest 360 Winter Fest, Flathead Lake International Cinemafest, Zions Indie Film Fest (ZIFF), Ely Film Festival, Lookout Wild Film Festival, and LaCrosseAF Adventure Festival.

The Columbia River Canoe Project chronicles the remarkable journey of Robert Lester and his 18-year-old cousin, Braxton Mitchell, as they set out to paddle from the Continental Divide near Butte, Montana, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. As they navigate the river’s twists and turns, they also confront personal challenges and growth. The captivating film showcases stunning landscapes, unforeseen obstacles, and the duo’s resilience through moments of triumph and adversity.

Upcoming scheduled showings and special events:

  • January 29, 2025 | Rome, Italy – Cervara Soulplace Film Festival
  • January 30, 2025 | Missoula Mont. – Roxy Theater (tickets available here)
  • February 16, 2025 | Polson, Mont. – Flathead Lake International Cinemafest
  • February 18, 2025 | Helena, Mont. – Myrna Loy Theater (tickets available here)
  • February 22, 2025 | Butte, Mont. – Covellite Theater (tickets available here)
  • February 26, 2025 | Orem, Utah – Zion Indie Film Festival
  • March 7-13, 2025 | Dillon, Mont, – Big Sky Cinema
  • March 7-13, 2025 | Polson, Mont. – Polson Theater
  • March 13, 2025 | Ely, Minn. – Ely Film Festival
  • March 20, 2025 | Portland, Ore. – Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
  • March 22, 2025 | Astoria, Ore. – Columbia River Maritime Museum
  • March 23, 2025 | Vancouver, Wash. – Kiggins Theater (tickets available here)
  • March 25, 2025 | Bremerton, Wash. – Roxy Theater (tickets available here)
  • March 29, 2025 | Salem, Ore. – Salem Cinema (tickets available here)
  • March 30, 2025 | Florence, Ore. – City Lights Cinema
  • April 13, 2025 | North Bend, Wash. – North Bend Theater

Tickets will go on sale for many of the shows listed above in the coming weeks. Please continue to check out the film’s landing page for additional screening dates, ticket sales, and locations. If you’re interested in bringing the show to your hometown, please reach out to Robert.

Columbia River Canoe Project is proudly sponsored by Crazy Creek, Beyond Clothing Company, Navarro Canoe Co., Bending Branches, and Zeal Optics.

To learn more please visit: https://mountain-king-industries.com

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Media Contact:

Mountain King Industries
Robert Lester
birdot1@gmail.com
406-565-6526

About the Film:
Columbia River Canoe Project is an award-winning documentary that inspires adventure and environmental stewardship while showcasing the importance of protecting the Columbia River Watershed. Follow along as two cousins test their limits and learn about the power of perseverance and nature’s beauty. To learn more please visit: https://mountain-king-industries.com/columbia-river-canoe-project