THE OCEAN HAS HER SECRETS. THE FORESTS ARE FULL OF MYSTERY. British Columbia’s temperate rainforest, which runs along our stunning coastline, is full of magic, wonder and beauty. It’s not something you can describe. It’s something you feel. A group of local surfers and paddle boarders has decided to create a documentary about our threatened coastline and are currently running an Indiegogo campaign to raise money for the post production of the film. This is their story.

From Bella Bella to Haida Gwaii and into the Great Bear Rainforest, STAND film has captured the energy and mystique of one of  the most beautiful areas in the world. The Great Bear Rainforest was even recently rated as one of the must see places for 2013 by National Geographic Traveller.

But, the entire region is under threat by the proposed Enbridge pipeline and subsequent oil tanker project. STAND raises the profile of the area by focusing on the wildlife, incredibly beautiful coastline, and amazing First Nations people.

Instagram Photo: Norm Hann

Norm Hann, a stand up paddleboarder who has done expeditions, guiding and conservation work in the Great Bear Rain Forest for many years, completed a 350-kilometer stand up paddleboard trip to raise awareness about the cultural and natural treasures that will be drastically affected by the proposed Enbridge pipeline.

STAND film also spent time with a group of First Nations youth in Bella Bella, who are building their own paddleboards in order to venture out and explore their own traditional territory. There are many heritage areas that are important to the First Nations peoples of this region, who have called the area home for more than 10,000 years.

The third storyline focuses on Tofino-based pro surfer, Raph Bruhwiler, who has spent his life out on the ocean. The STAND team follows Raph on a surfing journey along the Northern coast of British Columbia, where he is introduced to the rich culture and diverse wildlife of the area.

Instagram Photo: Norm Hann

B4Apres is a production team behind the film project. Comprised of Sea to Sky photographer and storyteller Anthony Bonello and action sports photographer Nicolas Teichrob, the team is a powerhouse of visual storytelling, with many accolades and award-winning works under their belts.

“The entire coast from Haida Gwaii to South Vancouver Island is so incredibly amazing,” Teichrob explained via email from a tiny patch of reception on a Vancouver Island beach during filming on a new project. “Getting a chance to visit the North Coast was great, as it has always seemed slightly out of reach. I’m always blown away by what BC’s coast delivers: so much diversity and always beautiful.”

STAND is due to debut in Spring 2013 and the crew is keen to enter it into global film festivals. The Indiegogo campaign runs through to December 24 – the perfect Christmas present for your environmentally conscious friends. Learn more about the project and donate by visiting them at indiegogo.com/standfilm.

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