Monday, April 1st • beginning at 6:30pm • Congregation Kol Ami
Seating is limited. Advanced registration required by March 31st. RSVP below!
6:30pm — Doors open, meet with local defenders of the Great Salt Lake
7:00pm — Viewing of the documentary film "Whales of the High Desert"
7:45pm — Honor local Champions of the Great Salt Lake
8:00pm — Meet with local defenders of the Great Salt Lake
Sponsored by Congregation Kol Ami and the Great Salt Lake Interfaith Action Coalition (gslinterfaith.org), join us for a viewing of the documentary film, Whales of the High Desert, from The Good Line Production House, Joseph LeBaron, Founder/Director. After the 21-minute film, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers, followed by a celebration to honor Great Salt Lake champions who worked so hard during this legislative session.
From 8:00pm to 8:30pm, continue the celebration and enjoy light refreshments and an opportunity to learn about the local environmental organizations that work to protect our health and the vital ecosystem that is the Great Salt Lake.
Whales of the High Desert explores the story of James Wickham, an Englishman who was reported to have brought whales to Great Salt Lake in the 1870s. Though his story was reported as ‘true’ in newspaper articles in 1888, the truth of this local Utah legend no longer matters as the debate around its veracity has uncovered a greater truth—the Great Salt Lake is dying—and if we want to keep legends alive, we have to keep the very real Lake alive that can support the legends. Professor of Folklore, Dr. Lynne McNeill acts as our guide through the history and origin of Wickham’s tale, and shares with us why paying attention to his story today can secure the health future of Great Salt Lake.
The film has recently been awarded, "Best Director" at the NYC Science and Nature Film Festival and "Best Short Documentary" at the Zions International Film Festival.