Freeland ~ A White Grass Story

Overview

Credits

The latest documentary by Mountain River Media focuses on West Virginia nordic skiing at the iconic White Grass Ski Area, and the mountain’s relationship to the Blackwater River kayaking community. The Blackwater is the artery linking the two communities together, and its water is the lifeblood of both cultures. Through the words of Chip Chase, Sue Haywood, Jesse Shimrock, and Stephen Strothers, learn about the history, grassroots growth, and overall friendly vibe of this unique place and the community that developed around it. Tied into the Blackwater kayaking community, this documentary explores the ephemeral nature of the sports of nordic skiing and whitewater creek boating in West Virginia. Enjoy the ride!

Justin Harris	Director
Justin Harris	Writer
Justin Harris	Producer
Christopher "Ness" Collins	Producer
Max Bauer	Producer
Philip Prince	Key Cast	"Dr. Prince "
Andrew Gunnoe	Key Cast	"Kayaker"
Nick McGettigan	Key Cast	"Kayaker"
Christina Kossis	Key Cast	"Kayaker"
Art Barket	Key Cast	"Kayaker"
Jesse Shimrock	Key Cast	"Kayaker"
Kyle Mandler	Key Cast	"Kayaker"

Director Biography – Justin Harris

Justin Harris is a filmmaker, photographer, and content creator living deep in the mountains of West Virginia, specializing in action sports and landscape photography and video content, as well as creating short documentaries on the culture of outdoor sports throughout West Virginia. He created Mountain River Media in 2018 during his tenure as the Media Director of a small West Virginia ski resort, popularizing social media content through a series of mountain and river reports about the whitewater and skiing throughout West Virginia. His first feature documentary, The Red Creek Sessions, spent all of 2023 on a global tour, picking up 35 film awards along the way. His second film, Freeland, has been in the making for 3 years and tells the history of the iconic White Grass ski resort. production on a third film begins in January of 2024.

Director Statement

“This project was created to raise a very simple question….’what is the future of White Grass?’ As one of countless individuals who consider White Grass to be one of my favorite places on earth, I felt a calling to assist in bringing to light the grassroots beginnings and fragile agreement that this special place functions under. Essentially, the existence of White Grass is as fragile as the land it rests upon, and I want to create a future that allows my sons and the next generation to experience this place while honoring the land and ecosystem that is a delicate gift to us all. Our mission is to preserve White Grass while educating viewers on the ephemeral lifestyle that we lead.”