Image from the film "Journey Down the Gila."

SOCORRO, N.M. – The public is invited to attend a special free showing of a feature-length documentary depicting three women’s journeys of hope, resilience and love. “Journey Down the Gila” will be shown Wednesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. at the historic Loma Theater, 107 Manzanares Ave. E, Socorro. The screening is co-sponsored by the Socorro Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the New Mexico Tech  Performing Arts Series (NMT PAS), SCOPE Health Council and Heart of the Gila.

Attendees will receive free small popcorn, candy and soda. The film’s runtime is 90 minutes, and is appropriate for ages 13 and above. The event will run from 7 to 9 p.m., beginning with an introduction, the film presentation and then a short question-and-answer session with the film’s co-producer and lead principal, Patrice Mutchnick, director of the nonprofit organization, Heart of the Gila. The evening also will include an  update on recent federal legislation to designate the Gila as a Wild and Scenic River by New Mexico Wild’s Gila grassroot organizer, Luke Koenig. 

If you RSVP to attend the screening, you will be entered into a raffle for prizes (yay prizes!!!), simply email aauwsocorronm@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 757-727-3874; but you can still attend if you do not RSVP. More information is at: https://socorro-nm.aauw.net/activities/2024-events/journeydownthegila/

“Journey Down the Gila” was produced by three New Mexican mothers who lost their children in a 2014 plane crash in the Gila Mountains. The lush cinematic journey down America’s first “Wilderness River” chronicles the story of teens who died in service to the wild places they loved, their mothers’ trip down the river they sought to protect and the struggle to keep the Gila River flowing free.

Four years and multiple river trips in the making, “Journey Down the Gila” culminates with a visit the three mothers made to Washington, D.C., to advocate for federal legislation to protect the Gila River as a Wild and Scenic River. The Gila is one of the longest rivers in the West, originating above 10,000 feet in the Mogollon Mountains of the Gila Wilderness and from the headwaters of the Black Range in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness.

“My desire is that the river that our children held dear will be protected,” said Jennifer Mahl, one of the mothers featured in the film. “I want people to see the beauty of the Gila Wilderness through our eyes and most importantly, through the eyes of our three children. Our children can no longer speak for themselves so it is now our duty to carry on their legacy and share their vision with the world. This film is a very effective way of sharing that message.”

Dana Chavez, NMT PAS director, praised the film as positive, educational and inspirational.

“It’s about transforming grief into hopeful action,” she said. “I’m delighted for the opportunity to partner with local organizations to present this special showing in Socorro, so attendees can learn more about the ongoing efforts to protect this nearby river and these families’ poignant stories.”