Sundance Nature Alliance to host screening of ‘Giants Rising’ at Sundance Mountain Resort

Photo: by Leila Philip // Giants Rising: The Secrets and Superpowers of the Redwoods

SUNDANCE MOUNTAIN RESORT, Utah — The Sundance Nature Alliance, in partnership with The Redford Center, will conclude its Voices of Nature series with a screening of Giants Rising: The Secrets and Superpowers of the Redwoods at Sundance Mountain Resort on Oct. 26. The event will include a post-screening discussion with the film’s director, Lisa Landers.

“Giants Rising is a perfect example of how art can inspire environmental awareness and action,” said Julie Mack, executive director of Sundance Nature Alliance. “This film, and our entire Voices of Nature series, seeks to connect people with nature in profound ways, encouraging a deeper understanding of our environment and our role in preserving it.” She continued, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Robert Redford for thirty years. Art is such an important aspect of the programs he has launched with the Sundance Institute and the Film Festival, and the Sundance Mountain Resort is a place that celebrates art and nature,” Mack said. “Whenever we do a program, we center art and nature.”

Narrated by musician Michael Franti, the documentary explores the history of redwood logging and the efforts to protect these ancient trees. It also delves into why redwoods evoke awe and highlights the social benefits of spending time in these forests. “It’s beautifully shot, revealing the redwoods’ secrets and superpowers,” Mack said.

Following the screening, Landers will participate in a Q&A session, offering attendees the chance to discuss the film’s themes and issues and share her insights and experiences from the film’s making. “After the Q&A, we always have a nice reception, where people can gather out in the lobby of the screening room. We have some appetizers, and then you can continue the discussion, which is also really fun,” Mack added.

Giants Rising marks the final event in the 2024 Voices of Nature series, now in its second year. Previous events included a screening of Path of the Panther, a captivating exploration of the Florida panther’s struggle for survival by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Eric Bendick, and a presentation by Lila Phillip, author of Beaverland, a thought-provoking book on the ecological impact of beavers.

“By showcasing these powerful stories through cinema, we hope to continue the Redford family’s legacy of creating a community of engaged, informed individuals passionate about protecting our natural world,” Mack said.

Event Details

Giants Rising: The Secrets and Superpowers of the Redwoods
Date: Oct. 26, 2024
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: The Screening Room, Sundance Mountain Resort
Tickets: $15, available at SundanceNatureAlliance.org

About Sundance Nature Alliance

The Sundance Nature Alliance is dedicated to preserving the land and watershed in the North Fork of Provo Canyon. Through programs that blend art and environmental advocacy, the organization protects natural habitats and fosters connections between people and nature.