Watch Kayak to Klemtu

Kayak to Klemtu is a 2017 Canadian independent drama film about a young indigenous woman who embarks on a grueling journey to fulfill her late uncle's final wish to take his ashes up the coast of British Columbia to Klemtu, located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. At the beginning of the movie, the protagonist, Ella (played by Ta'kaiya Blaney) is deeply affected by the loss of her uncle, who was a Brown Bear activist. He believed that these animals are a vital part of the ecosystem and have been in danger due to climate change, deforestation, and the expansion of oil and gas pipelines. Ella, inspired by his cause, decided to take up his battle cry and promote the protection of this endangered species.

The journey that Ella embarks on is not only physically challenging, but it is also emotionally captivating. Along the way, she meets a diverse group of people, including her half-brother Alex (played by Jared Abrahamson), who is the captain of the boat that is taking her up the coast. Through her uncle's friends, she learns more about the beauty and fragility of the Great Bear Rainforest and the impact that human activities have on it. The director, Zoe Hopkins, a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation, uses this tale to highlight the importance of staying connected with one's roots and highlights the power of storytelling in Indigenous culture.

The film's cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, with stunning visuals of the natural wonders of the coast, from the calming expanse of the open water to the gradients of blues and greens of forested islands. The intense journey of Ella in a small kayak with a crew of only two produces some of the most awe-inspiring and thrilling scenes.

The dialogue between the characters is illuminating, highlighting the desire for people to live in harmony with nature and their surroundings. The relationships are complex, with each character playing a role in sharing their difficult truths and understanding the larger picture of preserving a vital aspect of their ecosystem. The chemistry between the actors is tangible, leaving the audience enthralled by the relationships that develop as the crew navigates the treacherous ocean and wilds of the rainforest to reach their destination.

As the movie continues, the story delves deeper into the specifics of Brown Bear habitat protection and the importance of conservation, particularly emphasizing the impact of pipelines and climate change on the species. The story evokes strong emotions and highlights the interconnectedness of coastal communities with their marine ecosystem.

Kayak to Klemtu is much more than a film that tells the story of a young woman's journey to honor her uncle's final wish; it's a story of discovery and the resilience of the human spirit. The film educates while being sensitive to the environmental concerns that are relevant today. The film's compelling message that we all have a responsibility to protect the world around us, particularly the endangered species that are essential to our ecosystem, is timely, relevant, and will resonate with an audience of all ages.

Overall, Kayak to Klemtu is a poignant and dynamic masterpiece that takes viewers on a riveting journey and delivers an inspiring environmental message. It encapsulates the beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest, the importance of Indigenous identity, and the power of storytelling to affect change. The film is a valuable contribution to the conservationist movement and a must-watch for those who are interested in environmental activism, Indigenous cultures, or powerful cinematography.

Kayak to Klemtu is a 2018 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.