Laura Winter, who is undertaking a sailing, film and research project around the world, is back home in Bowser.
She has brought along the award-winning film Hitchhiking Across the Atlantic. This is the first episode in a documentary series about nature conservation along the traditional sailing routes, titled Running Downwind.
In May 2010, Thorsten Boehnke found himself sailing towards western Africa on the boat of a friend, the catamaran Indiana.
Starting in Kiel, Germany, the two adventurers sailed along the European coast and offshore, following the routes of the old tall ships. They visited nature reserves, conservation projects and people dedicated to protecting endangered species.
When the Indiana stopped on the Canary Islands, Thorsten continued as a “hitchhiker,” sailing via Cape Verde to the Caribbean. Laura, a marine ecologist, joined him for a stretch of this journey.
Hitchhiking Across the Atlantic tells the story of the animals and people Thorsten and Laura met on their journey. It weaves together a delightful narrative that shows how beautiful yet simultaneously fragile nature is. Thorsten and Laura's deep affection for all life shines through the film.
Following a successful launch in Germany, Laura has returned home to bring this award-winning film to B.C. After a short screening season, Laura will return to the Caribbean to continue filming the next episodes.
Hitchhiking Across the Atlantic will be shown at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station in Bowser on Nov. 14 and at the Riding Fool Hostel in Cumberland on Nov. 15. Both shows start at 7 p.m.
Laura will be present at both events to answer questions and engage in discussion after the film.
Advance tickets can be purchased at the event venues and at various retail locations. A list of locations can be found at www.tigersnail.com/events.html. More information and a short trailer can be found at www.tigersnail.com/preview.html.
— Laura Winter