News
American Prairie Reserve Premieres during the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 19, 2008 – American Prairie Reserve, a new thirty-minute documentary by VideoTakes, Inc., is a powerful testament to the fact that something as magnificent as the African Serengeti can exist here in the United States.
When Lewis and Clark came through the Northern Great Plains of Montana 200 years ago, they encountered nature in its most abundant form. Along the uppermost reaches of the Missouri River they witnessed vast numbers of bison and other wildlife on a scale they had never seen before.
Now the American Prairie Foundation, the World Wildlife Fund and other key organizations are working to restore the region to its historic grandeur. This documentary describes the progress that is being made to acquire millions of acres of land; bring back the American bison, the endangered black-footed ferret and other wildlife; reclaim streams and land; and to create economic opportunities for people who live there and recreation for those who visit.
VideoTakes, Inc. produced the film with support from the Wallace Genetic Foundation. Joan Murray and Elizabeth Ruml were the executive producers. Sandy Cannon-Brown produced the film and wrote it in partnership with Elizabeth Ruml. Larry Engel directed and Allison Barnett was the primary editor.
The premiere at the Wechsler Theatre at American University was hosted by AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking and its director, Chris Palmer, who is also CEO of VideoTakes, Inc. Before the screening a reception was hosted by the American Prairie Reserve.