ST. GEORGE — A new film explores how the significance of what we do now will be felt long into the future. Zion National Park is the stage where the movie “Forever Is Now” is set.

The Southern Utah screening will be Thursday, May 23, from 6-9 p.m., at the Bumbleberry Inn in Springdale. Tickets are $15 in advance and $19 the day of the show. After the screening, those who attend will have an opportunity to talk with filmmakers Shandi Kano and Sean Slobodan. Doors open at 6 p.m.

“I think the main purpose of this film was really trying to make people aware of their impact on beautiful places, like Zion,” Director Sean Slobodan told St. George News. 

The film’s concept comes from the writings of poet Lyman Hafen, a well-known author and former leader of the Zion National Park Forever Project. 

The film follows 10 people who are Zion National Park’s keepers and caretakers. It explores the future through compelling character stories. The production was filmed throughout 2019.

“The film captures Zion like it’s never been seen before, instilling a sense of awe and ownership for public lands today, tomorrow and forever,” according to a news release.

Slobodan wanted to connect with people and show them in venues outside of the park to try to drive home the message of how people impact national parks and public lands. 

“We just hope that people can be mindful and more positive with that impact,” said Slobodan, adding it was a pleasure to collaborate with Hafen since he creates beautiful work through his words. He said filmmakers tried to “channel” Hafen’s style into this project. 

“These places are here for us to enjoy and to take part of and to see and experience. But we’re going to have an impact regardless of what we do when we come to visit these places,” Slobodan said. “The solution is not to have people not come. I think the solution is found in our intent, the way we visit and realize that our impact doesn’t have to be negative.”

Hafen told St. George News that originally the Zion Forever Project had Slobonan and The Local Studio produce a 25-minute version of the film called “We The Keepers” in 2019. Hafen said when the extended theatrical version “Forever is Now” was made, it didn’t “see the light of day” before COVID hit.

The 25-minute version was released and has been playing at Zion National Park Museum. Hafen said he is glad the filmmakers are planning a tour around the country of the extended version of “Forever is Now.”

“It really is a wonderful film that captures the spirit of Zion in stories through the words of visuals and a variety of different characters,” Hafen said.  

The extended film dives deeper into relationships with Zion National Park, including park rangers, ranchers and Native Americans. Hafen said everybody’s story is a layer, just like the layers of geology in the park and the erosion the Virgin River cut through the canyon.

“This builds just a beautiful canyon of stories. I think as people have a chance to see this film, maybe see themselves in some of the characters,” Hafen said. “Whether they be passive visitors or extremely active visitors like climbers or canyoneers. Most everyone will see themselves in some of these characters, and hopefully, that will help them recall and maybe record their own stories of Zion and continue to build layer upon layer that awesome story of this place.”

Slobodan added that his crew was honored to work with the Paiute Tribe and feature some Native Americans in the film to discuss their relationship with the water and Zion National Park.

The filmmakers are taking the film across the country for the rest of the year to expose it to new audiences. Emily Listowich is the film’s tour manager and arranges venues and ticket sales. The crew includes director Sean Slobodan, Co-Director Travis Pitcher, Producer Shandi Kano, Editor Bryce Van Leuven, Executive Directors Lyman Hafen and Mark Preiss and Associate Producer Kacey Jones.

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