Equilibrium - The Last Frontier
publication date: Jun 1, 2008
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author/source: Fish & Fly
Reviewed by Paul Sharman
"Equilibrium is a response to the development of Pebble Mine, which sits at the headwaters of the largest salmon runs in the world. Our goal is to generate increased awareness in an attempt to save the threatened fishery. In this film Gary Borger and Gary Loomis discuss the central role of the Pacific Salmon in this unique ecosystem."
So begins the first paragraph of the text which accompanied our review version of this remarkable film. What it does not convey is the visual treat that awaits the viewer. Not since Robert Redford's "A River Run's Through It" has fly fishing been shown in such a beautifully shot format. This only adds to the importance of the message contained in the film by making us all truly aware of what is at stake here by playing on the passions that this invokes and is a credit to director Dr Grant Wiswell.
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With the backing of the Federation of Fly Fishers and such US fly fishing luminaries as Gary Loomis and Dr Gary Borger being fully involved in what was a 2 year process of production in the end, I was expecting a well made and produced documentary which Equilibrium certainly is but it is so much more. I was not expecting that this would be a film I would want to necessarily watch repeatedly which is what it has become, such is the quality of the footage and manner in which it is presented. With a mix of commentary, location shots and fly fishing action, the true beauty of the Bristol Bay watershed and its flora and fauna, particularly the salmon, trout and Alaskan Grizzly Bears is captivating.
Running for just 21 minutes it is over all too soon. In the USA where the 'Ban Pebble Mine' campaign is obviously strongest this is already a valuable promotional tool, but that is not to say that we in Europe should not be concerned too. This type of development could turn up in any of our backyards at any time and we need to be sure that we can all speak with one voice to show our concerns. Fish&Fly gathered over 100 petition signatures and gave out dozens of "Ban Pebble Mine" badges and information leaflets at the Spring Fly show this year which shows that UK anglers are concerned and support the campaign.
"This film is about the splendor of fly fishing in pristine environs." Job done gentlemen and done well!
View the trailer below!
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DVD Text
Bristol Bay is home to the largest salmon run on planet earth, and the fishing is legendary. Castaway Films and the Federation of Fly Fishers invite you on a cinematic journey two years in the making. Gary Borger, Gary Loomis, and others will be your guides on an Alaskan expedition in search of 30-inch rainbows and other prized gamefish. Along the way we’ll get up close and personal with the grizzlies, view extraordinary underwater footage, and show some of the most explosive freshwater takes ever recorded in high definition. You’ll come to see what makes Bristol Bay the most prolific fishery on earth and why this timeless ecosystem is in danger of being lost forever. Find out more about Bristol Bay’s threatened EQUILIBRIUM at castawayfilms.com and fedflyfishers.org.
The DVD is available for $19.99 (+ shipping) from Castaway Films website above with a portion of all proceeds going towards the conservation efforts in Bristol Bay.
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