Heliconia is proud to announce their short film The New Generation of Whitewater Kayakers has been selected for the 2021 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF). This year’s festival has gone completely virtual and will take place February 19th to the 28th.
The New Generation of Whitewater Kayakers is part of Heliconia’s award-winning digital series Paddle Tales, hosted by former World Champion Whitewater Kayaker Ken Whiting. For almost 30 years, Ken’s life has been guided by the paddle in his hands. Now, his passion for whitewater has come full circle, as he and his 9-year old daughter, along with some close family friends, run the river and challenge the whitewater in separate kayaks for the first time. The video was most recently showcased at the 40th annual Kendal Mountain Film Festival.
“We’re so glad this film is getting the recognition it is,” remarks Brendan Mark, Heliconia Vice-President. Mark is another former World Champion Whitewater Kayaker and was also featured, along with his two young daughters, in The New Generation of Whitewater Kayakers. “It’s awesome knowing this film is resonating with viewers and hopefully inspiring other young paddlers to give whitewater kayaking a try!”
The New Generation of Whitewater Kayakers was filmed and produced last summer, during a COVID-19 inspired Ontario road-trip. With Heliconia’s international filming plans postponed due to the pandemic, the Beachburg based video production company pivoted its production plans and turned its lens to the incredible paddling adventures found in its home province. A full playlist of the Paddle Tales episodes captured this summer can be found here: https://bit.ly/3nZkNCQ. The series was made possible with the support of Bell Fund and Ontario Creates.
This is not the first time Heliconia’s Paddle Tales shorts have received international attention. Paddle Tales: Sea Kayaking les-lles-de-la-Madeleine received honorable mentions in the 2019 Waterwalker Film Festival, while Paddle Tales: Sea Kayaking and Stand Up Paddling Cote-Nord, Québec won that festival’s award for the Best Canadian Location. In 2020, Paddle Tales: Le Boat was awarded Silver at the 41st Telly Awards.
Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival’s full festival program can be found online at www.vimff.org. For a preview of Heliconia’s award-winning short films, check out Heliconia’s promo reel or visit www.heliconia.ca.
ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia is an award-winning video production company that helps destinations and brands reach the US adventure travel audience. The company produces seven unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic Trails, Epic Trails: Mountain Biking, Facing Waves, Adventure Cities, Peak Experience, Chad Hoover Fishing and Kayak Fishing with Jim Sammons. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard by the adventure travel community in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.
