Educational Media Reviews Online

In 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, America had already reached the peak of its dam-building endeavors, halting fish-migration, damaging water quality, and altering natural ecosystems, as well as recreational use of these rivers, for the worse. Wildlife biologists John and Frank Craighead created a system of river classification to protect America’s rivers, saving hundreds of waterways throughout the country. However, with thousands more rivers eligible for, but not yet designated as being under the protection of the Act, more activism is necessary from politicians and grassroots organizers alike.

Run Wild Run Free: 50 Years of Wild and Scenic Rivers makes its point extremely clear in under 44 minutes: Find a river that you care about and use the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to protect it. Understanding this alone makes the film worth watching, but there’s also much more to be gained through the facets of river conservation touched on here: tribal rights, wildlife preservation, river ecology, environmental activism, and so on. The film is packed with excellent jumping off points that will spark curiosity among viewers, making it a perfect fit for the discussions and follow-up explorations that come with classroom use.

That a film about wild and scenic rivers is beautiful shouldn’t surprise anyone. Run Wild Run Free is so full of breathtaking shots of free-flowing water with surrounding forests and mountains that you could watch it entirely on mute and still come away with the desire to take part in river conservation. What’s truly impressive is that one could also just listen to the film and find that they feel the same way. Filmmaker Shane Anderson highlights perspectives from members of the Nez Perce tribe, outdoor enthusiasts, and activists and experts of various backgrounds, each of whom adds their unique knowledge and passion to the film’s call to protect rivers.

With the numerous ways that Run Wild Run Free could be used by multiple disciplines, academic libraries, and perhaps even high school libraries, should strongly consider adding it to their collections. This purchase would also be an excellent choice for public libraries in communities where members are taking or would like to take steps to have a local river designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Whether used in formal or informal education settings, Run Wild Run Free is sure to inspire viewers to want to learn more.

Awards:

Official Selection, Wild and Scenic Film Festival 2019; Official Selection, Colorado Environmental Film Festival 2019

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