Escarpment

What was it like in Eastern Wisconsin 425 million years ago? What has gone on in the geologic and biologic past beneath our feet? What are the changes we’re experiencing now? What might the future hold for our land, water, environment and communities?¬ “Escarpment” is the natural history story of Eastern Wisconsin and the Niagara Escarpment region of the Great Lakes. The film was shot on location along the entire length of the Niagara Escarpment, with a Door County focus. It is a fast-paced fun voyage through billions of years of the state’s natural history. The film reconstructs ecosystems that existed when the dolomitic rocks of the Niagara Escarpment were formed, considers if dinosaurs ever walked in Door County, follows the path of glaciers, and many other major events in our geologic journey. Locations around the world are featured to show what region was like in the past. Animated sequences are called upon to illustrate parts of the story. The film helps to inform, enlighten, and guide us towards being better stewards of the land. In the spirit of Discovery Channel and National Geographic films, geologist and sustainologist Roger Kuhns produced this film for all ages. Kuhns has worked on the Niagara Escarpment and Great Lakes geology and ecology during the course of his career.

  • Roger J. Kuhns
    Director
  • Roger J. Kuhns
    Writer
  • Roger J. Kuhns
    Producer
  • Roger J. Kuhns - Narrator
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 33 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 15, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    18,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital DVD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Door Community Auditorium
    Fish Creek, WI
    United States
    April 22, 2017
    World Premier
Distribution Information
  • musicTOears Press
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights, Video / Disc
Director Biography - Roger J. Kuhns

Roger J. Kuhns is a writer, a moviemaker, a teacher of sustainable practices and holds a PhD in geology. He has lived and worked around the world, including 8 years in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania working in mineral resources, water conservation, and community development. He has written and performed his stories on stage, including a show at the Acorn Theatre in New York City. Escarpment is his first feature length documentary, focusing on the Great Lakes and the Niagara Escarpment, a natural rock feature. His work highlights the interplay between humans and nature, and the need for sustainable practices in how we live and treat the planet. Roger is working with members of Congress to pass legislation addressing sustainable practices and climate change. Originally from Wisconsin, he now lives with his wife in Mystic, Connecticut.

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Director Statement

It is my view that each of us have a responsibility to our fellow citizens of the world to openly talk about the issues impacting our societies and our civilization. This, in my opinion, means we hold civil discourses wherein our policies and actions are directed by ethical behaviors, sound science, truth and compassion. It is because of this that I write and make movies to help inform people of the world from a scientific viewpoint.