As part of the 2005 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital, the Earthwatch Institute will present its 2005 Earthwatch Film Award to Wolfgang and Tristan Bayer's Earthling with a United States premiere screening on March 15th, at National Geographic in Washington, D.C.
More than six years in the making, this extraordinary feature film is a moving tribute to the career of veteran filmmaker Wolfgang Bayer, by his son, Tristan, following in his father's footsteps. Earthling, 104 minutes, filmed in 35 mm with surround sound, takes us on a two-year retrospective odyssey around the world to projects filmed by the elder Bayer in his long and brilliant career. Bayer, with his family, revisits orangutans in Borneo, polar bears in the frozen Canadian Arctic, the dazzling jellyfish lakes of Palau, the Mexican mountain hideaways of the Monarch butterflies, and Yellowstone National Park, blending past footage with spectacular new footage shot by Tristan, trained by his father since childhood, and now ably making his own name in the world of wildlife cinematography.
The public is invited invited to attend the benefit cocktail reception in National Geographic¹s Hubbard Hall from 6:00 p.m.7:20p.m. to meet Tristan Bayer, Keenan Smart (National Geographic), and Ed Wilson (Earthwatch) plus many Earthwatch members and friends. Admission is $50 per person in advance, $60 at the door. Space is limited, so kindly reserve by March 4. Make checks payable to Earthwatch Institute and send to:
Earthwatch Events, PO Box 75, Maynard MA 01754-0075.
Tickets for the Screening are separate and must be booked directly with National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.com. For further information, email events@earthwatch.org or call 800-776-0188 ext. 179
The award presentation will take place following the film screening at 7:30 pm in the National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium. Tristan Bayer will accept the Earthwatch Award and answer questions after the screening. The evening will be introduced by Ed Wilson, Executive Vice President, Earthwatch Institute. Tristan Bayer will be introduced by Keenan Smart, Head of National Geographic Television and Film's Natural History Unit.
Open to the public. Tickets, $16 each, are required. (National Geographic and Earthwatch members' tickets are $13 with advance purchase or reservations only.) For information and to order tickets, please call (202) 857-7700 or fax your ticket request to (202) 857-7747 or online at: www.nationalgeographic.com. Location: National Geographic Society, Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium, 1600 M St., NW (METRO: Farragut North), parking available. For more information about the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital: www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org
About Wolfgang and Tristan Bayer
One of the world's foremost wildlife cinematographers, Wolfgang Bayer has been producing, directing and filming wildlife for more than 25 years. His credits include a dozen programs for WNET's Nature, three programs for WGBH's NOVA, and an Emmy Nomination for the National Geographic special Last Stand in Eden.
Tristan Bayer is a multi-talented director with experience as a producer, cinematographer and editor. His cameraman and sound-recording credits include ABC, NOVA, National Geographic, Turner, and the BBC. More information at www.tristanfilms.com
About Earthwatch Institute
Founded in 1971 in Boston, Earthwatch Institute is an international nonprofit organization that engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Earthwatch affiliate offices are in Oxford, UK; Melbourne, AU; and Tokyo. About 3,800 members volunteer their time and skills to work with 140 research scientists each year on Earthwatch-sponsored field research projects in 49 countries. Earthwatch Institute is pleased to be awarded a grant from the National Geographic Education Foundation to engage K-12 educators in field work with scientists on geography and conservation research.
About National Geographic Live!
For more than a century, National Geographic's public presentations have thrilled and educated audiences with tales of adventure and exploration. This program of events, National Geographic Live, features more than 150 lectures, film screenings, and concerts attended by more than 60,000 people every year at the Society's headquarters in Washington, D.C., and also in Chicago, Seattle, and Minneapolis.
About the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital
Originally founded in 1993, the 2005 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital (www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org) presents 106 films from 22 countries. There are 55 film premieres and 56 organizations are collaborating with the festival on its screenings. Most events are free and this year 25 filmmakers will be discussing their work along with scientists, educators and cultural leaders who add depth to film topics.
View past winners of the Earthwatch FIlm Award.