A River Called Home
"A River Called Home" follows the journey of four women who launch at the headwaters of the James River and paddle to the Chesapeake Bay. For three weeks, the team faces challenges along the way, including whitewater rapids and a river with a history of pollution.
Along the way, the team conducts a water quality study, asking how our waterways are being protected and what more we have left to do.
Read a discussion on the film between Director Jess Wiegandt Gomez and Sony Alpha here.
How Can I Watch This?
"A River Called Home" had its broadcast premiere with Maryland Public Television on April 24, 2024. It is now available online with PBS for all audiences. For teachers - once you've watched the film, please download our free educational resources (seen below) to utilize in your classroom!
Want to make an event out of watching this film? We love that idea. "A River Called Home" has had a robust festival and community screening tour that is still happening! Get in touch with Jess if you want to host the film (post-screening Q&A's can happen, too) at a festival, brewery, or community event!
Educational Materials
"A River Called Home" is a film with an impact plan to engage with K-12 educational programs, implementing low-cost experiential lesson plans into classrooms to provide accessible watershed education.
Lesson plans can accompany the film with an educational screening package or can serve as stand-alone classroom resources.
Please enjoy our two complimentary lesson plans, available for download below. If your classroom is in need of lesson plans catered to specific curriculum, get in touch!
Meet the Team
Jess Wiegandt Gomez
Grace Eggleston
Sejal Kinker
Paddler Extraordinaire, ACA Instructor, Sound Operator, Full of Laughter
Behind the Scenes
Why Me?
With two paddlesports instructors for parents, it isn't a surprise I grew up on the water. The James River was where I learned to canoe and kayak, gaining confidence not only as a paddler but also as a woman.
I have always wanted to take the time to experience my home river in a special, challenging way and this trip allowed me to find out how our waterways are protected and what we can do to advocate for more.
Who Helped Us?
