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Freeland ~ A White Grass Story

The latest documentary by Mountain River Media focuses on West Virginia nordic skiing at the iconic White Grass Ski Area, and the mountain’s relationship to the Blackwater River kayaking community. The Blackwater is the artery linking the two communities together, and its water is the lifeblood of both cultures. Through the words of Chip Chase, Sue Haywood, Jesse Shimrock, and Stephen Strothers, learn about the history, grassroots growth, and overall friendly vibe of this unique place and the community that developed around it. Tied into the Blackwater kayaking community, this documentary explores the ephemeral nature of the sport of nordic skiing and whitewater creek boating in West Virginia. Enjoy the ride!

  • Justin Harris
    Director
    The Red Creek Sessions
  • Justin Harris
    Writer
    The Red Creek Sessions
  • Justin Harris
    Producer
    The Red Creek Sessions
  • Brandon Thompson
    Producer
    The Red Creek Sessions
  • Will Fortune
    Producer
  • Sue Haywood
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • Chip Chase
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Jess Shimrock
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Stephen Strothers
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    30 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 2, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • South Film and Arts Academy Film Festival
    Rancagua
    Chile
    March 16, 2024
    South American Premiere
    Winner Best Documentary Short
  • Crown Point International Film Festival
    Chicago
    United States
    April 2, 2024
    North American Premiere
    Winner Best Documentary Short
  • Frida Film Festival
    Paris
    France
    March 30, 2024
    European Premiere
    Winner Best Documentary Short
  • Frida Film Festival
    Paris
    France
    March 30, 2024
    European Premiere
    Winner Best Sound Design
  • Robinson Film Awards
    Roma
    Italy
    March 30, 2024
    Italian Premiere
    Semi Finalist
  • EcoVision Global Film Festival
    Sydney
    Australia
    Australian Premiere
    Finalist
Director Biography - Justin Harris

Justin Harris is a photographer, content creator, and filmmaker living deep in the mountains of West Virginia. He is an avid kayaker and skier and began his career in action sports photography. His exploration into video came during his tenure as the Media Director of a small West Virginia ski resort. After the success of The Red Creek Sessions, Justin chose to focus his film efforts on his favorite place on earth, White Grass Ski Area in West Virginia's Canaan Valley. White Grass is a globally loved destination, but its future is as delicate as the land in which it rests. Mountain River Media had one very specific mission with this film....to raise the question "what is the future of White Grass?"

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Director Statement

"'Freeland~A White Grass Story' was a two year project that grew throughout production. Our initial goal was a small film project that showcased the unique aspects of the resort. However, once we dove in and found the storylines, it was apparent to everyone that the story that needed to be told would take time and commitment, and that's exactly what we did. As a result, we are fulfilling our mission of asking the question "what is the future of White Grass" and seeing the resulting action taken to make an impact. When it comes to film, there's no greater success than watching people be called to action by our work."