The Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival brings a captivating narrative to the forefront with About Damn Time, a film highlighting the pioneering women who ventured into the male-dominated sphere of Grand Canyon river guiding. In a conversation with KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny, director Dana Romanoff sheds light on the inspiration drawn from Flagstaff outfitter OARS for this compelling story.
What motivated you to explore the story of women navigating the Grand Canyon?
According to Romanoff, the concept was initiated by OARS, who sought to illuminate the oft-overlooked history of women dory rowers in the Grand Canyon. The narrative centers around Cindell Dale, a trailblazer among the first generation of female dory riders. Romanoff recounts, “They called Cindell and said, you know, Cindell, we’re thinking about telling a story about the women who rode dories down in the Grand Canyon, how do you feel about it? And she said, well it’s about damn time.”
Could you elaborate on the historical context of women rowing in the Grand Canyon?
The presence of women in the Grand Canyon dates back many years. Initially, their roles were largely confined to being cooks, a position that arose due to the practical needs of the male guides who were busy maintaining their boats. Romanoff notes that these “delicate wooden boats” were fragile and required constant repair, leaving little time for the men to tend to cooking duties. Over time, women learned the craft of rowing by observing and assisting, eventually becoming adept oarsmen themselves.
Filming whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon sounds challenging. How did you manage to capture the essential footage?
The production team faced numerous hurdles, primarily due to the constraints of shooting in such a dynamic environment. Romanoff explains the necessity of selective filming due to limited storage, estimating about “3 to 4 hours a day” of manageable footage. Capturing clean sound was also a challenge, with the river as a constant audio backdrop. Creative solutions, like waterproofing microphones with condoms, were employed to overcome such obstacles.
In what ways is the Colorado River portrayed as a character in the film?
The Colorado River is portrayed as an omnipresent force, integral to the film’s narrative. Romanoff describes how the film captures not only the visual splendor of the Grand Canyon but also its auditory essence, including “the echoing of the canyon” and the “sound of the canyon wren.” These elements help to establish a profound sense of place and underscore the river’s role as a central character.
Dana Romanoff, thank you for sharing your insights with us.
Thanks so much, Melissa.
About Damn Time is scheduled to be screened on Friday at the Orpheum Theater as part of the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival. Further details can be found on the event website.
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