Northern Arizona University: Boat’s Eye View – Personal Films from the Canyons

Join us to experience the thrill of exploring major canyons throughout the Southwest — without leaving the NAU campus!

A Nov. 7 film screening will showcase short clips from recently digitized films – mostly home movies — that document the early days of canyoneering (1940s – 1970s) in Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon, and other areas.

Whether you are an NAU student; a documentary filmmaker or photographer; a canyoneer, hiker, or river enthusiast; or a curious community member, you’re invited to this free public event in the Cline Library Assembly Hall.

The films were shot from the perspective of both hikers and boaters, and created by river-runners, canyon tour guides, sportsmen, environmentalists, documentary photographers, and historians. They were digitized through a 2021 National Endowment for the Humanities grant that positioned Special Collections and Archives (SCA) to digitize and provide public access to 400 films that embody the human and natural history of the Colorado Plateau.

Speakers with expertise in river-running and tourism; documentary photography; and sustainability and environmental impact will introduce the clips and provide context.

Don’t miss your chance to preview these rarely seen, regionally-focused films and meet the grant team and regional scholars.