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Filmmakers trek across America to benefit environment

Three weeks ago, documentary filmmakers Jeff Barrie and Alex Tapia set out on a cross-country tour to promote environmental awareness.

"We're trying to protect this wild area (in Alaska) by educating people on the hazards of oil development in the Arctic wildlife refuge," Tapia said. "That's our mission for the next four months."

Tonight, the two are at the University of Arizona, where they are holding a free screening of their latest project, "Arctic Quest: Our Search For Truth."

"'Arctic Quest' concerns the threat of oil development facing America's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska," Barrie said.

Barrie said he developed the idea for the documentary while attending a youth environmental study conference. It was there that he first learned about the issue.

"After a lot of talking, we decided to take it to the next level, which was to go out to Alaska and film this oil threat," Barrie said.

After the conference, he spent the next few years in post-production, where he put the last minute touches on the project. When it was finally completed, Barrie premiered his documentary in Los Angeles.

"We had a huge turnout and a very big, positive reaction," Barrie said. "Over 150 people came out, including celebrities like Ed Begley Jr. It was pretty inspiring."

Barrie and friend Tapia then embarked on their cross-country journey, which began in Santa Monica, Calif. The duo plans on stopping in more than 50 cities to rest, eat and promote their environmentalist cause, and they will eventually end up in the nation's capitol.

"When we get to Washington, D.C. we plan on handing over all the letters and petitions we've collected to President Clinton and Congress, where this issue is being fought over right now," Barrie said.

The journey to Washington has not been without its difficulties, though.

Barrie, who decided to encourage people by riding his bike across the United States, said he has faced hardships, such as "sandstorms and stealing," among others.

Despite the hardships, Tapia, who follows Barrie in a truck with their luggage, water, food and camping supplies, said that not all of their encounters have been negative.

"We've met over 1,000 people in the 780 miles we've gone so far," Tapia said. "We've been offered food, money, even beer. It's very reassuring."

Barrie said he has no regrets about the journey, even though he is not making any money for the four months it will take him to get to Washington, D.C.

"It's tempting to just take a day off, go to a bar, party, whatever," he said. "But if we don't make this a success, don't devote enough energy to it, then nothing will change up in Alaska. We'll have failed in protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refugee from oil development."

"Arctic Quest: Our Search for Truth" plays tonight at 7:15 in Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, room 201. An interactive presentation and discussion with Barrie and Tapia will follow the screening.