Discover Brantford will present the premiere of The Grand, From South to Mouth, a film by Thomas Ostapchuk on Saturday in Harmony Square.
Members of the public are invited to attend the pre-screening event in the square before the film starts at dusk (approximately 9 pm).
Prior to the screening, Grand Experiences will be hosting a guided paddle down the Grand with Ostapchuk, which will end close to downtown at Brant’s Crossing. Those interested in joining the paddle can contact Grand Experiences at 519-442-3654 to register.
Beginning at 6:30 pm, booths from various community organizations will be set up in Harmony Square, including Discover Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River Tourism, County of Brant Tourism, Grand River Rafting, Two Row on the Grand, and the Grand River Community Play Project.
Free popcorn will be provided and parking is available at the Market Center Parkade located at 59 Icomm Dr. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
The 20-minute film showcases Ostapchuk kayaking 300 kilometers along the Grand River on a solo, self-supported journey. Along the way he meets passionate paddlers who share their words of wisdom to help guide his journey.
As Ostapchuk rediscovers his place in these lands, he reminds us about the importance of celebrating the natural wonders that exist in our own backyard, said a news release issued by Brantford’s tourism department.
The film has been shortlisted for the 2023 World Tour Paddling Film Festival.
Ostapchuk grew up in Southern Ontario and moved home during the pandemic after living several years in Vancouver.
“This is a story about discovering adventure in your backyard and rediscovering what it means to find home,” said Ostapchuk. “I hope people walk away from this film saying, ‘Wow, I didn’t know that this wilderness existed in this capacity in Ontario.’ And I hope people are inspired to explore it themselves, whether it’s a paddle or a walk or a bike.”
The serene Grand River, a designated Canadian Heritage River, is a paddler’s paradise and one of the city’s largest tourism assets, said Kara Davey, Brantford’s manager of tourism, culture and sport.
“It also links Brantford to neighboring communities of Six Nations of the Grand River, the County of Brant and beyond. We are delighted to be part of Tom’s journey and share his story.”