NEWPORT — Environmental filmmaker and musician Todd Anders Johnson, who attended North Country Union High School, will return to Newport as part of a statewide documentary film tour from March 17-23.
Johnson’s film, Cresta Alta, is a climate change and sustainability documentary showcasing glaciological research expeditions in Alaska, Iceland, Chile, and Peru. The film highlights parallels between ecological impacts of climate change in Arctic and Andean regions, focusing on scientists dedicated to gathering crucial field data.
“My family moved from suburban St. Louis to Newport and I have always appreciated the experience I had while living there in such a beautiful environment,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s tour includes screenings and question-and-answer discussions to raise awareness about sustainability and climate change.
Newport community members can attend a special screening and Q&A event at the NCUHS auditorium on March 18 at 7:00 p.m. Johnson will also engage directly with NCUHS students during an exclusive screening event on March 19 at 9:30 a.m.
“I’m hoping that the community can come out with this event and I’m thankful for the high school giving me the opportunity,” Johnson said.
Johnson, who lived in Newport during his high school years, studied at the University of Vermont before relocating to Seattle and eventually settling in Colorado.
“I started playing music in a local rock band in my first year of high school which really helped me settle into the new community and then I got into the high school band, marching band, jazz band, etc. and really enjoyed my days there,” he said.
The Cresta Alta Film Tour, produced by The Risan Project, is traveling across the United States, partnering with arts councils, colleges, high schools, and museums.
Many film tour events begin with a screening of Risan Media’s short documentary, Northward, which chronicles Johnson’s socially-conscious Colorado band, Salem, on tour and snowboarding through Alaska.
Additional Vermont tour dates include:
March 17, Sterling College, Craftsbury Commons, 6:00 p.m.
March 18, Randolph Union High School, Randolph, 8:00 a.m.
March 19, Long Trail Brewing Company, Bridgewater Corners, 6:00 p.m.
March 20, Hazen Union School Student Assembly, Hardwick, 1:00 p.m.
March 20, Hazen Union School Community Benefit for Civic Standard Flood Relief, Hardwick, 5:30 p.m.
March 21, Ferrisburgh Town Hall with Friends of the Union Meeting Hall, Ferrisburgh, 7:00 p.m.
March 22, Jay Peak Ski Resort Clips and Reels Movie Theater, Jay Peak, 4:30 p.m.
March 23, Savoy Theater, Montpelier, 4:00 p.m.
For more information, visit crestaaltafilm.com.
Watch the trailer here: Cresta Alta Trailer.
