Nick Caiazza and Joe Zimmerman embarked on June 5th 2014, kayaking the longest waterway in North America—the Jefferson, Missouri and Mississippi Rivers—traversing 14 states to capture on film the health and evolution of the river system from its source in Montana to the Gulf of Mexico.
After 163 days, 18 portages (two longer than 12 miles), encounters with thousands of humans and animals, barges and cargo tankers, river-wide barbed wire, electric and sheet metal fencing, horrific winds and life-threatening weather, poisonous chemical and agricultural runoff, and air pollution, the “Blackwater Drifters” reached their final destination on November 14th.
Caiazza and Zimmerman filmed their experiences to provide viewers with a first-hand perspective on the environmental challenges the river faces. The team is currently in post-production and building a fundraising campaign for finishing costs, festival distribution and a nationwide film tour and speaking series.
Filmmaker Nick Caiazza says, “There were times I didn’t know if we would make it, but somehow we persevered. This experience has changed my life, and I can’t wait to bring our most exciting moments to life for others. The film will illuminate the current health of the rivers amid expanding food and energy production. The goal of the film is to provide an objective look at the impacts humans are having on our rivers.”
Expedition leader Joe Zimmermann says, “I sacrificed a lot, including quitting my job as a banker, to achieve my childhood dream. It has been absolutely worth it. I’ve always been told that we over-pollute our waterways, but it didn’t become real to me until this project. It would be impossible to return home and not make significant changes to my life.”
The team will release their documentary in the spring of 2015. Visit the Blackwater Drifters website to read more about the expedition and watch videos produced on the river.
Filmmaker's Perspective: A Creative Odyssey from BLACKWATER DRIFTERS on Vimeo.
