The Long River Home

Aaron Howell and Russell Davies are combat veterans who were injured in war and now come together for another mission as they guide blind Navy veteran, Lonnie Bedwell, on his third trip through the Grand Canyon. Over a 14 day river trip they battle more than 80 powerful rapids, screaming directions to Lonnie the whole way. Always looming downstream roars Lava Falls, the largest rapid of them all. Throughout the journey they remember their past experiences and learn that negotiating the rapids of life is as simple as forming a team, kicking out in the current, and finding a line through the chaos.

Award Winner: Best Film Made By Veterans or Military

About the Filmmaker

In 2004 Seth Dahl served one year in Iraq with the 1-163rd Infantry, a Montana ARNG unit. On one mission an Associated Press photojournalist snapped photos of his platoon clearing houses. Motivated by the photojournalist’s mission, Dahl returned home where he studied Journalism at the University of Montana with intent to return to conflict zones. In school Dahl found video editing and his passion pivoted to documentary based outdoor stories. In the summers Dahl worked as a river guide on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon and kayaked in his off time. After graduation Dahl started his video production business, Big Cedar Media, with intent to tell documentary stories. As a veteran storyteller Seth Dahl has focused his camera on post 9/11 veterans overcoming combat injuries through outdoor adventure. Some of these stories take place around rivers and consist of kayaking.

Plays in

Shorts Block | Stories of Healing & Resilience

This collection of documentary shorts highlight stories of healing, resiliency, and renewed purpose.