ENVIRONMENT – “Chasing Ice,” a fascinating and award-winning National Geographic documentary about adventure-scientist documenting changes in the arctic will be presented by the Idaho Conservation League and other local environmental groups on Monday, 7 p.m., at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint.

Read on for details about the making of this 2012 film, and why local groups are bringing the stunning images to the big screen in North Idaho.

'Chasing Ice' coming to Sandpoint Monday, April 22

Risking their lives in pursuit of the truth, National Geographic photographer, James Baloq and  his team travel across the brutal Arctic capturing evidence of our changing planet - through millions and millions of camera clicks.

Glaciers sliding into the sea. Coastlines redefined. Landscapes gone forever.

These stark, shocking images will all come to life at 7 p.m. Monday, April 22 at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint during the screening of “Chasing Ice,” Balog’s award-winning 2012 documentary.

Chasing Ice is the story of Balog’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence that would forever change the minds of climate change's biggest skeptics. Once a skeptic himself, Balog's first trip to the Arctic opened his eyes to the reality of the changes occurring and led to his goal of gathering and presenting undeniable evidence of this change.

Calling his project the Extreme Ice Survey, Balog and his crew endure grueling conditions as they document melting glaciers in Alaska, Iceland, Greenland and Montana over a period of three years, using 48 revolutionary time-lapse cameras. The hauntingly beautiful videos compress years into seconds and capture never before seen events such as ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at breathtaking rates. 

Especially suited to the big screen, the riveting visuals in Chasing Ice are backed with voice over narration by Balog and interviews with scientists and glaciologists. They drive home the point the film is making: Ice is melting at an alarmingly unglacial pace.

Hosted by the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) and Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper (LPOW) the evening includes short opening presentations by ICL’s energy associate, Ben Otto and LPOW’s Executive director Shannon Williamsons. While ICL is working to move Idaho away from dirty fossil fuel plants that contribute to global warming and toward energy conservation and clean resources like wind, geothermal and solar, LPOW is striving to protect our regions waterways, including Lake Pend Oreille from pollutants like coal and other pollutants.

Information on ways to influence local utility companies to reduce their reliance on coal, as well as ways to reduce individual energy consumption will be available at the event.

“We won’t leave you feeling depressed after the film” said Otto, “This is a film about a photographer trying to deliver both the facts and hope for our planet - we’ll give you some ideas on how you can make a difference this Earth Day.”

The 75-minute film has won 23 awards at film festivals around the world, and the title song from the film, “Before My Time was nominated for a 2013 Academy Award.

Doors to the theater open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Tickets are only available at the door and are $6 for seniors and students and $7 for adults. Beer and wine will be available from Eichardts’ and attendees will have a chance at winning a variety of door prizes.

Info: (208) 265-9565.