“Into the Canyon,” the much anticipated documentary about photographer Pete McBride and writer Kevin Fedarko’s historic 2016 trek across the Grand Canyon, will have its world premiere at the Wheeler Opera House on Feb. 9.
The Wheeler announced the event Wednesday.
The one-night screening will be followed by a book-signing and talkback with the locally based McBride.
The pair’s rare 750-mile journey through the canyon has drawn great local interest in recent years, including a sold-out lecture by McBride and Fedarko at the Winter Words author series in 2017.
“Our audiences have followed Pete through his project since 2016,” Wheeler executive director Gena Buhler said in the announcement. “We are proud to be hosting the film’s premiere, as our audiences will live the incredible journey of these daring filmmakers. The documentary’s inspiring environmental dialogue alongside the surprising (and many times funny) tales of Pete and Kevin’s journey will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
The pair’s multimedia chronicle of their trek already has included a 2016 story for National Geographic, a joint speaking tour, a book by McBride released in the fall and another forthcoming by Fedarko.
“This film has been on my radar for the past year,” Aspen Film executive director Susan Wrubel said in the announcement. “I have heard a few stories from the journey firsthand and love that this buddy film has a real environmental angle to it — something that resonates loudly in this valley. Having grown up here, Pete, a professional photographer, is a true spokesperson for the community and incredible advocate for conservation.”
Tickets are $17 ($2 from each ticket will be donated to the Grand Canyon Trust). This event is co-presented by Aspen Film and the Wheeler Opera House. Tickets can be purchased at the Wheeler box office and aspenshowtix.com.