Experiencing Interruptions?

Blue Glacier: Then & Now

The summer Chip Freund spent working alongside the Blue Glacier left an indelible mark on his heart, mind, and soul. He had longed to return to that special place before it is changed forever, and the fortieth anniversary of his time on the mountain provides the perfect opportunity.

Unfortunately, the topic of climate change has become highly politicized. Misinformation and tribal politics have created an environment where civil fact-based discussions appear no longer possible. It is his hope that by sharing his story and images he can open a discussion with those around him. Moving past lectures and rhetoric to meaningful dialog about our world and the effects we have upon it.

  • Will Freund
    Director
    Connected By Water
  • Chip Freund
    Producer
  • Chip Freund
    Key Cast
  • David Freund
    Audio Engineer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Climate, Adventure, Hiking
  • Runtime:
    31 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    July 28, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Ditigal
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Meet the Artist Reception - Blue Glacier Then & Now Photography Exhibition
    Cary, North Carolina
    United States
    July 28, 2023
    State Premiere
  • Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival
    Manteo, North Carolina
    United States
    November 1, 2024
    Best Film from an Emerging Filmmaker
  • Seattle Film Festival
    Seattle, Washington
    United States
    May 25, 2024
    Online Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Will Freund

Will is first and foremost a storyteller with a passion for education, the environment, and making something from nothing. His driving passion is to lower the threshold to entry for all creative and educational endeavors.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As someone who comes from an environmental education background, I have learned how powerful it is to connect yourself and others with the natural world. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we find our connection with nature and find our reason to fight for it. Climate change is something that will affect all of us but not all in the same way. I was inspired to make this film because of the connection I have with my dad, Chip Freund, the protagonist in this film. 40 years ago he spent a summer in Olympic National Park doing trail work on and near the Blue Glacier. He is where I got a lot of my passion to pursue a career in science and the outdoors. After I finished my first documentary film, Connected By Water, Chip was inspired to tell his own climate change story. At first, he didn’t know if he even had a story to tell but then realized that he had these film photos from his time in Olympic National Park back in 1982. With all the talk of melting glaciers around the world, and his work as a professional landscape photographer, he now had a story he could tell and I wanted to share his journey through this film. As someone without a traditional filmmaking background or education, every step along this path has been a learning experience and I hope that Chip’s story shines through.