Though it may seem as if the conservationist movement has been around forever, its modern incarnation can be traced back to one man, David Brower. When Brower saw the Yosemite Valley for the first time as a young man, he decided to devote himself to preserving the natural beauty of America. A close friendship with photographer Ansel Adams helped Brower solidify his mission, making the US government's rampant development of natural lands the focus of his fight. As he stepped into the role of executive director of John Muir's pioneering Sierra Club in 1952, Brower became a true political force on behalf of America's natural treasures.

Kelly Duane's MONUMENTAL provides a heroic portrait of an honest man willing to go head-to-head with anyone who dared put profit over protection of the wild lands he loved so much. Personal stories about Brower are told by his children, Ken and Barbara. And the film also includes interviews with former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall, and political enemy Floyd Dominy--who lobbied to created a manmade lake in the Grand Canyon. Most extraordinary of all, though, is the copious, often-breathtaking home movie footage taken by Brower between the 1930s and '60s while enjoying the mountains, canyons, and forests to which he devoted his life. The rollicking alt-country soundtrack features songs by Yo La Tengo, The Beechwood Sparks, Fruit Bats, Hayden, American Music Club, American Analog Set, and more.

Though it may seem as if the conservationist movement has been around forever, its modern incarnation can be traced back to one man, David Brower. When Brower saw the Yosemite Valley for the first time as a young man, he decided to devote himself to preserving the natural beauty of America. A close friendship with photographer Ansel Adams helped Brower solidify his mission, making the US government's rampant development of natural lands the focus of his fight. As he stepped into the role of executive director of John Muir's pioneering Sierra Club in 1952, Brower became a true political force on behalf of America's natural treasures.

Kelly Duane's MONUMENTAL provides a heroic portrait of an honest man willing to go head-to-head with anyone who dared put profit over protection of the wild lands he loved so much.    more...