Heather and her kayak: "Take it to the Corps"
In the spring of 2008, Heather Wylie, a biologist with the US Army Corps of Engineers, leaked an internal document in which her agency was quietly designating the LA River as not eligible for Clean Water Act protection. A media storm descended on the issue, while local and national environmental groups scrambled to reverse this potentially devastating decision. The LA River is a great location to the movie industry, a joke to most locals, and a flood control zone to the authorities. It is also the very reason for Los Angeles' location, and, if managed properly, it could supply a large percentage of the region's water needs.
Covered extensively by news outlets nation-wide, Heather's story of courage and integrity continues to inspire people all over the country. As the issue of the LA River is still being debated within the Environmental Protection Agency – who eventually took over the case from the Army Corps of Engineers – this unlikely heroine remains a symbol of strength and conviction. Heather and Goliath is a short precursor to Rock the Boat, a feature documentary, focused on the entire LA River controversy, the debate over Clean Water protection, and the paradoxical and timely question: "Who owns our waters, anyway?" "Initially we were covering an absurd and illegal boating expedition that aimed to rehabilitate the LA River as a great natural resource and a local recreational destination,"
Heather and Goliath is a humorous and inspiring short film in which people risk their livelihood or freedom in order to stand for what they feel is right. "When I leaked the memo I was not thinking I was putting my job and career on the line," quips Heather Wylie, the Army Corps whistle blower. "The river is one of our most important natural resources, and it needed to be protected." Harassed by her employer after she joined the un-permitted expedition down the entire length of the LA River, Heather eventually sued the Army Corps through a whistle blower defense organization, and they reached a settlement. Her case continues to garner attention and to inspire millions.
Heather and Goliath enjoyed great audience response at the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival in January 2009. It is directed by award-winning Thea Lucia Mercouffer, who also produced it – along with Heather Louise Parker. Filmed by Ian Campbell, it features original music by Mike Raznick.
The Reel Women's International Film Festival was established to honor and advance the careers of women filmmakers. The festival presents narratives, documentaries, and animation by women filmmakers, and the programming reflects a commitment to use film to heighten awareness of critical issues affecting women globally.
SWAN DAY: Support Women Artists Now, is an international holiday supporting women artists on the last Saturday of Women's History Month (March), and is a grassroots effort coordinated by The Fund for Women Artists.
What: "Heather and Goliath" film screening
Where: Laemmle Music Hall 3, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA
When: Monday, March 30th, 10:00 PM
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
