Join us as we kick off the 10th Season of the Overland Expo Film Festival sponsored by GOAT BOXCO at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, May 17-19. The film festival brings a curated selection of films documenting vehicle-based travel adventures both near and far to the Oasis Bar and Food Court Sponsored by XPLOR Friday evening.
FRIDAY, MAY 17th at 7:00 PM
FILM: NEW AMERICAN DREAM
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in an RV and travel the world, pursuing your dream job? For Peter and Kathy Holcombe, this isn’t merely a question – they’ve actively built a life that embodies that vision, but it wasn’t always that way. We got to tag along with Peter & Kathy on a photography assignment as they shot marketing photos of the new Winnebago Ekko. We made our way across southern Utah as they photographed the new RV in some of the most beautiful locations the West has to offer. Along the way, as we got to hear more of their story, we realized that Peter and Kathy have built a life out of asking “why”? Why do we need that corporate job, or that new car? Do we really want to wait until retirement to chase our dreams?
Spoiler alert: They didn’t.
Film Maker Bios
Seth Rice is a storyteller & award-winning filmmaker who is passionate about translating abstract ideas into a clear vision & connecting those ideas with an audience. He has worked with a wide range of national & international brands, helping them tell their story. When he’s not working, he can be found roasting coffee, and when opportunity arises, hunting alligators in the depths of the Florida swamps.
Seth Haley is the visual half of the directing duo, never more at home than when behind a camera. He has lensed a wide range of projects, from short films to documentaries, and spots for brands nationwide. When he’s not behind a camera, Haley can usually be found ripping it on a dirt bike or tackling overland treks in his Porsche Cayenne.
FILM: 10 YEARS ON THE ROAD
Four Wheeled Nomad: 10 Years On The Road. Lisa and Jason are two Brits who’ve spent ten years on the road. They ditched the conventional for the extraordinary for off-grid exploration. An epic 80,000-mile motorcycle ride saw them taking in Antarctica to the Arctic. They rode the Americas for five years, then switched gears. Enter White Rhino, their Toyota Hilux, as their overland chariot for five years. Find out what they’ve learned along the way.
Film Maker Bios
Lisa Morris and Jason Spafford are the adventurous duo behind Four Wheeled Nomad. For over two decades, they’ve been on a relentless quest for remote exploration, channeling their passion into captivating content creation.
Jason’s lens has been capturing the essence of adventure since 1983, with his internationally acclaimed portfolio spanning adventure travel, commercial projects, and wildlife photography. From running scuba diving “liveaboard” Red Sea trips to embarking on an epic 80,000-mile motorcycle journey from Antarctica to Alaska and even immersing themselves in yoga and meditation in an Indian ashram, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Today, they traverse the wild terrains of North America astride their adventurized KTM 500 EXC-Fs, documenting their escapades in the dirt on YouTube and on a stock footage library, Dissolve. Their mantra remains: “If you’re excited by your current path, you’re on the right one.” As British-born nomads, Lisa and Jason epitomize the spirit of adventure and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to explore.
READ MORE: Get Involved with Overland Expo Foundation
FEATURE FILM: CAMP 6 ROAD, A ROUTE THROUGH THE HEART OF THE CHIQUIBUL
In 2010, a small group of explorers attempted to complete a little-known route through some of the densest jungle in the world. That track, now known as Camp 6 Road, is barely discernible through the trees, vines, and hills of Belize’s Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Built over preexisting Mayan tracks in the 1920s, the route was used to extract mahogany for the export market. Archaeologist J. Eric Thompson then took up the task of linking Maya excavation sites. Virtually unused since the 1930s, the 2010 expedition faced an incredible mobility challenge. After several days of heavy rain, the challenge proved too great, and the team was forced to turn back.
Graham Jackson, one of the leaders of the 2010 expedition, made a promise to return one day to complete the route. Thirteen years later, he assembled a new team with the additional goal of collecting data for archeologists and climate scientists. Since the last expedition, the track has become even more overgrown. However, the construction of a new highway through the region means that sections of the Chiquibul might not retain their remote status much longer. This film documents the mission to return to complete unfinished business, as well as an attempt to leverage four-wheel mobility expertise to contribute to international research and help preserve the beautiful places we are privileged to pass through.
Stick around after the film for a Q&A with the filmmaker and the cast.
Film Maker Bio
Graham Jackson has been a leader in the Overland industry since 2004, when he and his wife led a 30,000-mile overland adventure from London to Cape Town, which formed the feature story in the first edition of “Overland Journal.” Graham has run and guided expeditions in Africa, Australia, South America, the American West, Mexico, and Central America, and trained in the US, Central America, and Africa. Recognized as one of the premier Overland trainers in the world, he started Overland Training and is co-owner of 7P Overland. He was Director of Training for Overland Expo for its first decade, helping develop it into the premier overland show in the world.
A scientist by trade and an explorer by passion, Graham has been combining both for three decades as a guide, instructor, and expedition leader. Graham specializes in expeditions in the deserts of Southern Africa, where he grew up, and in the jungles of Central America. Graham is a member national of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and a member of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa. He holds an NPTC assessor’s certification for off-road driver and recovery training. He recently started Barefoot Productions LLC, a company that will produce adventure travel-related content of competent people exploring the remote reaches of the magnificent planet we call home.
Join Us at Overland Expo West
The Overland Expo Film Festival sponsored by GOAT BOXCO is included in your ticket to Overland Expo West, May 17-19, at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona.
