‘Passage’ to premiere on Arkansas PBS Nov. 7

Oct. 29, 2024 

Film follows two adventurers navigating the Northwest Passage in handmade rowboats

CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS follows two adventurers on the trip of a lifetime as they attempt a 2,200-mile trip through the Northwest Passage in handmade rowboats in the all new film “Passage,” premiering Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. and streaming at myarpbs.org/live.

This exciting new documentary follows Arkansan Adam Riley of Fayetteville and Canadian Matty Clarke as they embark on a journey through uncharted waters, setting out to conquer the final grail of adventure: rowing over the top of Canada in handmade rowboats, a feat that would make them the first ever to cross the Northwest Passage, self-propelled, in a single season.

"As Adam and Matty documented their journey, they captured the raw emotions and physical struggles that come with venturing into the unknown,” Arkansas PBS Executive Director and CEO Courtney Pledger said. “Our team had the privilege of collaborating with them to bring this epic adventure to broad audiences.

“Their journey is one that most people will never experience, in a part of the world rarely seen this way. Their story is a testament to the true spirit of exploration, where grit, preparation and perseverance are tested against the wild and isolating forces of nature. We are honored to share Matty and Adam’s extraordinary adventure with the world.”

From the meticulous planning and boat building to the excitement of launching their trek, the film captures the spirit of exploration. The friends face harsh environments, pushing their equipment, bodies and spirits to their very limits. As challenges mount, the once smooth sailing turns into a more profound and introspective voyage of perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds.

In addition to the documentary, Arkansas PBS has begun releasing a series of behind-the-scenes articles and digital shorts on Instagram (arkansas_pbs), Facebook (ArkansasPBS), X (@ArkansasPBS) and the Arkansas PBS Engage Blog. This original content will introduce followers to Riley and Clark, as well as explore the history of the Northwest Passage, boat building, training for the journey, artic creatures and more exclusive experiences from the adventure.

A preview is available now at myarpbs.org/passage.

“Passage” is made possible by funding from The Moving Image Trust Fund.

About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Gaither) and KETS (Yancy).

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