Two films will be presented at WaterLegacy movie night Aug. 24 at Betsy Bowen’s What’s Upstairs Grand Marais studio. The public is invited to come for one or both films. There is no charge, and popcorn and soft drinks will be served.
WaterLegacy is a citizens’ group formed in response to concerns about the first nonferrous (sulfide) mine proposed in Minnesota. They work to protect water quality and stand up for environmental justice.
At 6 p.m., Sled Dogs to St. Paul (43 minutes), a locally produced film that follows the dogsled run of former State Rep. Frank Moe, as he mushed his team of 10 sled dogs from Grand Marais to the Capitol in St. Paul will be shown. Moe carried nearly 13,000 Internet petition signatures opposing sulfide mining.
As they follow Moe’s journey, the filmmakers take a closer look at nonferrous mining through the lens of many people who have a stake in the proposed expansion of mining in northeastern Minnesota. Those interviewed include business owners, property owners, legislators, wild ricers, tribal officials, community activists and many of the people who helped Moe along the way. It’s a fast-paced, artfully presented examination of local economics, environmental activism, corporate might, Minnesota’s mining legacy and the role that clean water resources play in the future health and wealth of the state.
At 7 p.m. Bidder 70 (73 minutes) will be shown. The winner of 20 major film festival awards, Bidder 70 centers on an extraordinary, ingenious and effective act of civil disobedience demanding government and industry accountability. In 2008, University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher committed an act that ignited a spirit of civil disobedience in the name of climate justice.
As bidder 70, DeChristopher bid $1.8 million and saved 22,000 acres of pristine wilderness. No property was destroyed, no one was hurt, and valid concerns were raised over the BLM oil and gas leasing process.
For more information, contact Frank Moe at (218) 368-0661.
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