Less than two years ago, President Obama created the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument on land donated to the federal government east of Baxter State Park. Four young filmmakers--all of them born and raised in Maine, all of them passionate about the outdoors—wanted to see just what Maine got, so they set out last fall on a five-day trip through the monument.
Their expedition started with a 22-mile paddle in canoes down the East Branch of the Penobscot River, followed by a 21-mile trek by bike and then a 21-mile hike on foot. Along the way they shot hundreds of photos and hours and hours of video, which they edited down to an 11-minute chronicle of their trip called “Monumental.” Cait Bourgault, who wrote and narrated the movie, says the message they hope to convey about Katahdin Woods and Waters, especially to Mainers, is straightforward: Get out there and see it for yourself.
Katahdin Woods and Waters is next to Baxter State Park and about a three-hour drive north of Acadia National Park. Baxter and Acadia are the crown jewels of Maine, and there is serious concern that the latter—which drew 3.5 million visitors last year—may be in danger of being loved to death. The experience at Katahdin Woods and Waters couldn’t be more different. In their five days exploring the monument, the makers of “Monumental” didn’t have to worry about a lot of tourists barging into their shots. In fact, on their entire trip they saw a grand total of two—yes, two--other visitors.
Pamola Creative
Chris Shane - Executive Producer & Photographer
Jamie Walter - Executive Producer & Photographer
Cait Bourgault - Narrator & Photographer
Taylor Walker - Cinematographer & Editor