Go On an Adventure With The Filmmakers of National Geographic with The Mendel Center
As an official venue partner of the National Geographic Live speaker series, The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor is offering the third of three virtual events on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 7 pm with Feats of Filmmaking.
Meet two filmmakers renowned for capturing extreme feats of adventure in some of the world’s most remote and inhospitable environments. Based out of British Columbia, Bryan Smith brings stories of adventure to the screen from the South Pacific’s deepest canyons to the frozen waters of Niagara Falls. Keith Ladzinski takes on the seemingly impossible—including chasing tornadoes, hanging from massive natural arches, and swimming with alligators—to document the endeavors of the world’s most elite adventurers.
About the Speakers
Bryan Smith
Bryan Smith is an award-winning filmmaker based out of Squamish, British Columbia. His first documentary, 49 Megawatts, received acclaim both for its amazing kayaking footage and insightful exploration of the controversy over British Columbia’s river-based energy production. He has since earned National Geographic Expedition grants and directed shows for National Geographic, including “Monster Fish” and “The Man Who Can Fly.” With a knack for storytelling, an ability to get cameras into difficult and remote locations, and an insane work ethic, Bryan has developed a strong reputation in both TV documentary and commercial cinematography.
Keith Ladzinski
Keith Ladzinski is a contributing photographer at National Geographic magazine whose work focuses on natural history, climate change, extreme sports, and advertising. He got his start exploring two styles of photography—skateboarding in New York City and exploring the quiet mountains of Colorado—and eventually the two subjects converged as he forged his roots in the world of extreme sports. Keith is an Emmy-nominated director and has made films, advertising, and television content for National Geographic TV, Disney, Apple, Nikon, and The Weather Channel, among others.
The National Geographic Live speaker series delivers behind-the-scenes stories, stunning imagery, and gripping footage from world-renowned photographers, scientists, authors, filmmakers, conservationists, and adventurers. While Nat Geo Live speakers are normally brought to venues in person, only live virtual events will be offered in early 2021 due to COVID-19.
A flexible registration pricing range of $15 - $25 per event allows participants to support the series as they are able while making these presentations accessible and affordable. Online passes are available for purchase at www.TheMendelCenter.com or by calling the box office at 269-927-8700, option 1, Mondays through Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. At this time, walk-in box office hours are not available in the interest of the health and safety of patrons and staff.
The National Geographic Live virtual event series is supported by The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. It is also supported by the Gast Young People’s Performance Endowment.
