Tracing the history of a truly unique American practice, Rising Wings examines waterfowl hunting on the East Coast of the United States, primarily in the Chesapeake region of Maryland from the mid-1800s through today. Telling this story through historical images, archival footage, and interviews with local Chesapeake waterfowl hunter, Warren Magruder, who is a retired Army General and lifelong sport hunter. Magruder discusses his fond memories of waterfowl hunting and his lived experience in the coastal region of Maryland. It is clear through these interviews and stories the impact that waterfowl hunting had on Magruder’s development and life.
The origins of waterfowl hunting started with sport hunters finding local food sources to feed their families. As an ample source of food, the hunting practice soon moved from sport hunters to a growing industry to feed the nation’s burgeoning urban population using railroads. To meet the needs of urban populations for food, market hunters moved away from using standard sport hunting guns which would often wear out within a year to using punt guns which looked more like small cannons and were mounted to boats and allowed these hunters to target a significant number of waterfowl at one time. While market hunters argued that waterfowl populations were unlimited, sport hunters pursued conservation efforts as waterfowl populations began to decline. Sport hunters, through hunting clubs, were able to successfully outlaw the use of both punt guns by the early 20th century as well as market hunting.
With early sport hunters, there was a need to attract waterfowl to the area where hunters were located. To accomplish this goal, sport hunters used duck decoys. These decoys were hand-carved by hunters during the slow winter months and were originally crude in design. They served the goal of attracting waterfowl to the area by indicating it was a safe place to land and rest. The handcrafted decoys soon became lifelike replicas of the different local waterfowl and soon specific producers of these objects were sought after as works of art. With contemporary mass-produced decoys, these early hand-carved wooden decoys are now viewed as American folk art and sell for considerable sums. Interviews with Dick McIntyre tell the unique story of this art form.
Rising Wings offers a celebratory exploration of waterfowl hunting. The story is told through a well-paced narrative that will not only engage but keep the attention of the audience. While this film may not fit neatly into existing library collections subject areas, it is an essential purchase for libraries in the Chesapeake region to support research on local history, as well as other locations on the East Coast that have waterfowl hunting populations. For libraries that support research into American studies and American heritage, this film is recommended. It is worth noting that this film is released under the Creative Commons License 4.0 (CC BY-NC-ND) to ensure it can reach relevant communities.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
Rising Wings would be an excellent addition to any academic and public library collection that supports communities with waterfowl sport hunters. It would also be suitable for library film collections focused on American studies and American heritage, as well as those emphasizing Maryland's local history and the cultural practices of the East Coast.
Does this film have Public Performance Rights available?
Yes, this film can be purchased with public performance rights for three years. The retail purchase price is $8.99, while the public performance rights cost $1,499 for three years.
Click here to learn more about the Rising Wings film on the official website
Click here to purchase Rising Wings from the distributor Trips of Discovery
Click here to read the Study Guide for Rising Wings
Director's Bio
Bridging the world of tech with the arts, Harun Kazaz isn't your typical filmmaker. His skills traverse the vast realms of photography, journalism, and steering multimillion-dollar IT projects. Hailing from the vibrant circles of The Gotham in New York, a member of the International Documentary Association in Los Angeles, and Lift-Off Global Network in London. Harun is more than just a filmmaker; he's a storyteller with roots deep into the art. Rising Wings isn’t just his debut documentary—it's his magnum opus. With it, Harun doesn't just tell a story; he crafts a bridge, uniting cultures, sparking conversations, and resonating with audiences universally.
But what truly defines Harun's work? Authenticity. A dedication so fierce, it's aimed at preserving the very essence of our cultural tapestry. Rising Wings isn’t just another watch—it's an experience. It's an impassioned plea to the world, pushing viewers to reflect, to care, and to act. It echoes Harun's undying ethos: to conserve our traditions, our stories, and our planet. And when it comes to narratives, Harun’s approach is unchained and raw. He's not here to fit the mold; he’s here to break it. "Rising Wings" is a beacon for those yearning for fresh perspectives, and stories that both challenge and inspire.
Join a movement. Be a part of a story that doesn’t just cross borders—it erases them. A tale that harmonizes our shared history and ignites a collective duty to protect our world. Harun's vision isn't about exclusivity—it's about reach and impact. His analogy? Given the magic-laden chance to grace currency, he'd choose the ubiquity of the one-dollar bill over the exclusivity of the hundred. Why? Because Harun’s stories are for everyone. They're meant to be seen, felt, and lived by the masses.
Rising Wings is a testament to his pledge: Every story deserves an audience. Every voice, a platform. This is more than a film about American waterfowl hunting heritage and environmental conservation—it's a call to arms for inclusivity and diversity.
Director's Statement
I am a lifelong learner with a passion for media and storytelling. My background spans multiple fields such as photography, journalism, filmmaking, and IT program and project management. I have written movie scripts, started independent film production companies, worked as an IT program and project manager, and published boating-related stories on TripsOfDiscovery.com. My latest endeavor is developing a documentary film on waterfowl hunting and our conservation of the environment, which combines my professional experiences and passion for storytelling.
In documentary filmmaking, my artistic approach is rooted in truthfully telling stories that capture the audience's imagination, reflect the human spirit, and leave a lasting impression. I focus on the vital human tradition of storytelling to unite and enrich us all. My visual interpretation involves interviews with relatable characters and vivid imagery while maintaining authenticity and truthfulness.
My personal connection to this film lies in the story itself. I stumbled upon it and want to share it with others through the memories, eyes, and knowledge of those who have experienced the subject. While unearthing these American stories, I hope to contribute to preserving our cultural heritage and fostering a deeper appreciation and empathy for our shared history. By understanding our past, we can better navigate our present and future.
With this documentary, I want to not only entertain and inspire but also foster a sense of unity and understanding through the shared human experience of storytelling. By delving into the past and shedding light on the captivating world of waterfowl hunting, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the audience and contribute to preserving an essential part of our American cultural heritage. I want them to realize that each of us plays a vital role in preserving our way of life and the world we inhabit. I also hope that audiences will be inspired by the wisdom of Douglas Noel Adams: "The single raindrop never feels responsible for the flood."
If we truly believe in conservation and protecting our way of life, we need to show empathy for the way of life of all Americans. We need to take action, both individually and collectively. In conclusion, my diverse background and experiences have culminated in this documentary project, where I aim to tell an authentic, captivating story that resonates with audiences. - Harun Kazaz Director, Writer, and Producer Rising Wings
Awards
As of June 2024, Rising Wings has achieved remarkable recognition, winning 34 awards and receiving 8 nominations both in the US and internationally. The documentary has also been accepted into 37 additional film festivals, with results pending. Notable accolades include:
- Grand Prize for Best TV Documentary at the Culver City Film Festival in Los Angeles
- Awards at the IndieFEST Film Awards in California
- Awards at the Accolade Global Film Competition in California
- Celebrated at the New York Movie Awards
- Celebrated at the London Movie Awards
- Celebrated at the Paris Movie Awards
For a complete list of achievements, click here to visit our Instagram.