Blackwaters: Brotherhood in the Wild

Join us at the Bell Museum for a screening of the documentary film and a chance to meet the cast. Filmed at Alaska's Gates Of The Article 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 cast and a reception with light refreshments will follow the screening.

Doors open at 6 PM.
Film begins at 6:15. Total film time: approx 70 minutes.
Panel discussion 7:30 - 8 PM.
Informal reception following.

Blackwaters encompasses the power of 5 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.

• Chad Brown, director and creative director, adventure photographer, cinematographer, and founder of Love is King
• James Edward Mills, producer and founder of the Joy Trip Project
• Jahmicah Dawes, owner and CEO of Slim Pickins Outfitters
• Nic Brooks, founder and CEO of Outdoor Gear and Beer, LLC
• Alex Bailey, founder and executive director of Black Outsince, Inc.

Host or Publisher UMN Department of Forest Resources