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About Headwaters Down

In 2020, Justin Black, Will Gemma, and Dietrich Teschner embarked on an once-in-a-lifetime adventure with fellow river lovers Steven Kuester and Andrew Murray to not only paddle the James continuously from the headwaters of the river to their hometown of Richmond, but also to film their trip every canoe stroke of the way.

While Headwaters Down certainly captures the spirit of adventure, the team initially conceptualized the film from an environmental approach and their desire to spotlight the importance of protecting our natural resources. The documentary watches like a love letter to the river, and reminds us that we all choose the role we want to play in the story of the James.