A pair of experienced outdoor filmmakers have announced their intentions to produce a new film about northern Minnesota and the copper-nickel mine proposals that threaten the region’s lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
Tom Deschenes and Andrew Bydlon have launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to raise $50,000 to fund the project.
The documentary, titled “7 Generations,” aims to generate awareness across America about the value of northern Minnesota’s waters and wilderness, and how the PolyMet and Twin Metals mines could threaten the area if permitted.
The pair say their original plan was to create a documentary about the natural beauty of northern Minnesota, which they have lifelong experience exploring. Their research led them to learn about the mine proposals, and change the emphasis of the film.
“We started this project as a small film to tell the world about the wonders of Northern Minnesota, but learning about sulfide-ore copper mining caused us to flip the script,” they write on Kickstarter. “Now we need to protect, not just celebrate, this place.”
The filmmakers’ previous work has included projects for Backpacker Magazine, Climbing Magazine, Kokopelli Packraft, Bedrock Sandals, Bote Boards and Yaktrax.
Project backers have so far pledged almost $10,000 of the $50,000 they are seeking. The film will not move forward if they don’t make their goal by August 16. Learn more on Kickstarter.
Previously, short films about the issue have included Bear Witness in 2016 and Precious Waters in 2009.