A blind man balances fear in the chaos of kayaking whitewater rapids in inspiring new film
Sedona AZ (August 7, 2019) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning film “The Weight of Water” showing Thursday, Aug. 15 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
“The Weight of Water” is a story of a blind man balancing fear in the chaos of kayaking whitewater rapids — not to mention drowning — and the powerful desire to be free from a prison of darkness. He embarks, paddling his own boat, into the home of the most iconic whitewater in the world, the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Erik Weihenmayer has already overcome some stunning challenges for both sighted and blind people, including climbing Mount Everest. Whitewater kayaking is different: the current moves unpredictably, the rocks that make up that canyon walls are unforgiving, the roar cuts him off from his guide’s voice and violent waves threaten his kayak. His friends are also in jeopardy as they fight for their own survival.
For Erik, this is not about proving something to the world. He did that when he climbed Mount Everest. This is about achieving that elusive state that so many of us seek, to be truly present.
“It’s so hard to be fully in the moment because there’s so much fear, there’s so much anxiety, it’s like a person looking through a window at an experience rather than being in the experience,” says Erik.
He soon discovers that all of the preparation and practice are not going to be enough to overcome his own doubts. As the Grand Canyon’s crowning rapid, Lava Falls draws closer, Erik’s fear grows until it nearly paralyzes him.
When disaster inevitably strikes, Erik is then faced with a powerful choice and a rare chance to change the outcome. This choice defines the journey.
The Sedona premiere of “The Weight of Water” is made possible by a generous grant from the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona.
“The Weight of Water” will show at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.