Call of the Scenic River: An Ohio Journey
Documentary. 95 minutes, discussion to follow.
Synopsis for Call of the Scenic River: An Ohio Journey:Tickets ($6) available on a first-come first-served basis. Doors open at 12:30. Q&A follows the screening.
Call of the Scenic River: An Ohio Journey is the story of Ohio's most natural waterways, told by those who appreciate their splendor, and work to protect and preserve them for future generations. Although few people realize that Ohio was the first state to declare a Scenic Rivers Program in March of 1968, Ohio's program continues to lead river conservation because of it's respect of private property, it's commitment to designating the most ecologically intact systems, and it's popular volunteer opportunities.
Released on the 40th anniversary year of the Clean Water Act, this film follows Ohio filmmaker Tom Mayor's journey as he experiences Ohio's Scenic Rivers, and learns first-hand about non-point-source pollution, and the ecological and economic impacts of water quality. Filmed by veteran Ohio cinematographers, Mike King and Adam White, with underwater footage by Tom Mayor, the film captures the stunning and natural beauty of the rivers, while featuring the historical perspective of water quality and the modern conditions that affect these watershed eco-systems.
Inspiration behind the Film
The idea for the film was born while driving over a bridge on the Stillwater Scenic River. While riding in the car, Tom's oldest son asked, "Dad, what does scenic mean?" He had just read a sign which said, "Stillwater Scenic River." Even having fished and canoed in those same waters for years, and passing that sign countless times, Tom did not have an adequate answer. Following his curiosity, he soon discovered the story behind Ohio's Scenic Rivers Program, launched in 1968, the first such program in the nation. Tom then focused his lens along, around, and underneath Ohio's Scenic Rivers, meeting the individual Ohioans that live and work within these rivers and their watersheds.
About The Filmmaker
Tom Mayor holds a B.F.A. in Motion Picture Production from Wright State University, and has earned many awards throughout his career. Among his many credits on independent films, Tom has had works in the Sundance Film Festival — for a film he was cinematographer on and co-produced with Nichol Simmons in which they received an Honorable Mention in shorts; International Film & Video Festival — Gold Award for educational student programming; Telly Award — original educational programming. His works have been broadcast and distributed on television internationally. He has produced educational programming for the Iams Corporation (Cloonan & Associates), Crown Equipment Corporation, The National Aviation Hall of Fame and has on-going programs based in the Archdioceses of Cincinnati and Chicago. Tom lives and works in Southwest Ohio, and enjoys spending time with his family while appreciating the outdoors.