On the Backs of Salmon, one of two documentaries produced by students in Ballard High School’s Digital Filmmaking Program for IMAX, premiered June 5 on IMAX’s and UN Environment’s websites. The premiere was timed to coincide with the United Nations’ World Environment Day – the largest annual event for global actions to protect the environment. “We are so proud of the work created by these budding filmmakers, which shines a light on important environmental issues as well as their own creative abilities,” said IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond.
The project
is the result of a partnership between IMAX In Focus (a component of IMAX Big Picture, their social responsibility
effort) and United Nations’ Environment. Ballard’s DFP was one of only five “exemplary”
high school film programs across the nation chosen by IMAX and the All American
High School Film Festival (AAHSFF) in New York City to produce environmental documentaries. “We identified programs that… consistently
submitted quality work,” said Tom Oliva, AAHSFF Executive Director. IMAX
awarded $5,000 to each program. “The In
Focus program aligns seamlessly with what we strive to achieve” Oliva said, “cultivating
young filmmakers and recognizing their talented work."
“The release
of these documentaries on World Environment Day is a fitting testament to the
importance of empowering our youth to use their voices to drive change for a
better tomorrow,” said UN Environment Chief Erik Solheim. “We support IMAX’s commitment to helping
young filmmakers share these stories with a larger audience, hopefully
resulting in changes that create a healthier environment.”
