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A week from tonight, we’re sponsoring the screening in Chicago of two terrific paddling films: Kayaking the Aleutians by Justine Curgenven, and Greenland Bound by James Manke and James Roberts. Not only are local audiences fortunate to see both films on the big screen; they also get to meet Justine and James Roberts, who will be on hand to offer insights and answer questions.

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Photo courtesy of James Manke and James Roberts

By now, both films have received plenty of well-deserved positive reviews. In addition, Kayaking the Aleutians won “Best Film” at the German Kayak Film Festival, and Greenland Bound won 2015 Sea Kayak Film of the Year at the Reel Paddle Film Festival. So rather than piling on with yet another synopsis of the films and even more positive commentary, we’ll just give you four reasons to come see them on Monday, March 16 in Chicago.

1. You’ll be transported to two spectacular paddling destinations. Kayaking the Aleutians takes you on a 2,500 kilometer journey along the chain of islands between Russia and Alaska, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Bering Sea. It’s all the more riveting a story as Justine guides accomplished athlete but newer paddler Sarah Outen through some truly treacherous conditions. Greenland Bound invites you along on a pilgrimage to Qaqortoq for the 2014 National Greenland Kayaking Championships. In both cases, you’ll see gorgeous scenery, meet local people who are protecting their land and preserving their traditions, and have as your guides two paddlers who have sacrificed time and creature comforts to experience these places and share them with you.

2. You’ll be able to ask questions of the filmmakers. How scary were those bears? Did you really think  you’d be swept out to sea? Was that a real walrus? How did you get that shot? Come to this screening and you can get the answers.

3. You’ll be able to purchase your own copies of these films. OK, Greenland Bound is free online, thanks to those who supported the project, but you can purchase your own copy of Kayaking the Aleutians and get it autographed by Justine. Then you can take it home and watch it on a small screen, too.

4. Lots of local paddlers will be there. It will be like a family reunion without the baggage!

If you’re in the Chicago area, join us on Monday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago for this special event. If you aren’t local, check out the other places on Justine’s tour. And if coming to a screening isn’t an option, you can purchase a copy of Kayaking the Aleutians here.