Special Report: A big night for ‘Wings Over Water’
McGraw photo
On Oct. 27, supporters of McGraw’s upcoming IMAX 3D film, “Wings Over Water,” got a sneak preview of the movie and enjoyed the opportunity to visit with one of the U.S. senators who oversees conservation policy in America.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who is chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, spoke about the need to balance development with conservation, particularly in some of the nation’s most endangered habitats.
Also speaking were McGraw President and CEO Charlie Potter and McGraw Board Member Doug Oberhelman, who are spearheading the film. The evening was hosted by McGraw Board Member Allen Turner and his wife, Lynn, who are national leaders in conservation and early supporters of “Wings Over Water.”
“We are grateful to Senator Murkowski for her interest and support of conservation issues,” Potter said. “We also are grateful to the Turners for opening their beautiful loft and contemporary art collection for our reception.”
“Wings Over Water” is a giant-screen film to showcase the ecologically vital Prairie Pothole Region of western Canada and the northern United States, as well the birds that rely on its habitat. Led by McGraw and Wings for Wetlands, the film’s major supporters are Ducks Unlimited Inc. and the Delta Waterfowl Foundation. It is set for release in spring, 2021.
The Prairie Pothole Region is the world’s richest waterfowl-producing zone. More than 60 percent of North American ducks are born there. Hundreds of species of shore birds and songbirds rely on it, including several endangered species.
The film will be distributed across North America and the world, highlighting this little known region and its unmatched importance to North American bird populations. By following families of sandhill cranes, mallards and yellow warblers, viewers will travel the birds' migratory routes as they return to the prairies to nest and raise their young, renewing the cycle of life.
"The Prairie Potholes represent one of the most important ecosystems on Planet Earth," Potter said. "Yet few people even know of this landscape, much less its overall importance to our migratory birds, water and soil quality."
The film aims to change that. It also will feature the story of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, a key piece of legislation enacted 30 years ago by far-sighted conservationists hoping to provide a continent-wide insurance policy for birds and their habitats.
IMAX films typically stay in circulation for many years, introducing generations to their subject matter. Because of this, “Wings Over Water” is expected to generate widespread support for wetlands conservation.
What’s more, the film is an unprecedented cooperative effort among some of the leading waterfowl groups in the country. Oberhelman, who in addition to his volunteer work at McGraw is vice president of DU’s Wetlands America Trust, observed that McGraw played a key leadership role in conceiving the film and bringing the groups together.
An award-winning team from Dorsey Pictures, Archipelago Films and SK Films is producing the film. Plans call for world premieres in Washington DC and Ottawa, followed by special galas in cities across North America to raise awareness and support for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, commonly known as NAWCA.
