A Russian Wave

Wanted - Whitewater consultant; must like to fish.

A whitewater kayaking film is supposed to be about big waves, tumultuous rapids and dramatic waterfall descents. Becky Bristow, professional expedition kayaker, river guide and instructor, would have agreed - until she was hired as a consultant to seek out the best whitewater rivers to promote tourism in northeastern Russia. In A Russian Wave, Bristow turns frustrating situation into a film that embraces the unique culture and landscape of the isolated and primitive Chukotka region.

The job seemed like a dream come true: Bristow and her co-worker would travel to a remote area of Russia, have access to a helicopter for scouting missions, find rivers to run, and log all the details to provide promotional material for their employer. Bristow was set to paddle until her hearts' content. She didn't realize the flight crew had a completely different priority - fishing. To ease her frustration, Bristow uses her sense of humor to turn her thwarted whitewater goals into an entertaining film.

Directed and produced by Becky Bristow
Reviewed by Helen Rolfe

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Photos courtesy of The Banff Mountain Film Festival