Columbus-based documentary “The Wintering Grounds” makes waves across the globe
The team filmed for about a week in December 2019, after Swift and Wright secured funding through a meeting with local stakeholders. Wright told community leaders that visitors come from across the country and around the world to experience what the documentary calls the "southernmost whitewater in the U.S.", drawn by both the Chattahoochee River rapids and the region's southern hospitality.
By Jordan Massey
The Wintering Grounds follows the journey of a kayaking community that travels to Columbus, GA, and Phenix City, AL, during the winter months to develop their freestyle kayaking skills along the whitewater rapids of the Chattahoochee River. Shooting for the project began after producer Paige Swift enlisted the help of Emmy-nominated cinematographer Jeff Springer following a meeting in a Dollar Tree parking lot with former National Champion and unofficial “mayor” of this community, Stephen Wright.
“These people go all over the world,” said Swift. “And what he told me was that this was the only place on the entire planet where you can come to an urban area and train on a rapid of this size in the wintertime.”
Swift says that Springer was blown away when he arrived in Columbus. “Not just by the story, the people and the counter-culture of their community, but the footage,” she added. “Shooting 4K on that rapid when it’s up and watching people do Olympic-level gymnastic moves in a little boat was just gorgeous, gorgeous footage.”
Read more at FilmColumbusGA
Georgia Insider is NOW OPEN
Georgia Insider is a private community for the executives, founders, creators and leaders shaping Georgia’s creative and innovation economy. Subscribers receive Insiders PLUS, access to community conversations, event opportunities and original content, with deeper access available through Executive Membership.
Start your journey today.
Staying Connected with Georgia Entertainment
Follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram. Subscribe to our newsletter.
Are you available to speak on panels, share at our events or contribute thought leadership via commentary or perspective? Contact us with your thoughts and ideas.
Indie Spotlight Signup
Sign up for our monthly newsletter highlighting independent creators based in Georgia.
