Popular cedar-strip canoe builder, explorer and independent filmmaker, Jason Eke, has started filming for a new documentary on the canoe and its value and symbolism in Candian heritage.
The documentary will follow Eke and his film crew as they travel throughout Ontario and Quebec, paddling in some of the world’s most renowed canoeing destinations. The documentary will also educate the audience in the many ways the canoe has shaped culture and heritage through the personal stories of some of Canada’s most important figures in paddlesports, including Kevin Callan, John Jennings, Becky Mason, Ted Moores, Ian Mortimer, Mark Oldershaw, Adam van Koeverden and Jeremy Ward.
“I’ve always believed that people should try to do the things that they’re passionate about, for me that’s immersing myself in my natural environment and connecting with it through canoe and paddle. Now that I’m finally focusing on what’s important to me, I’m amazed at the support that I’m receiving,” says Eke.
Support has come from industry leaders including Nova Craft, Salus Marine, Fox 40, Johnson Outdoors, Bending Branches, InReach Canada, the Bureau Group and Rapid Media.
Benefits of the film will go to the charity Canadian Canoe Foundation, which develops watershed-focused environmental education projects and sends youth on canoe trip learning adventures.
The final leg of fundraising is being done through crowdfunding. During the month of March, the film crew will be running a campaign on Indiegogo, offering up a wide range of prizes in return for financial pledges.
In addition to the rewards offered at Indiegogo for sponsoring the film, the crew are also giving away a prize package through an exclusive fan prize draw in April. The prize package includes:
- a Bending Branches Beaver Tail Canoe Paddle
- a Eureka Stoney Creek 35 Backpack
- a Jet Boil Flash Cooking System
- a Eureka Niteguide SOS 120 LED Flashlight
- a Fox 40 Paddlers Safety Kit
- a Silva Polaris 177 compass
Get behind the scenes updates and receive notifications on special prize draws at www.facebook.com/canoemovie.
