RIDE of the MERGANSERS: a short documentary by Steve Furman

The Hooded Merganser is a rare and reclusive duck found only in North America. Every spring, in the Great Lakes region, the wary hen lays and incubates her eggs in a nest high in the trees. Just 24 hours after hatching, the tiny ducklings must make the perilous leap to the ground below to begin life in the wild. This age-old rite is rarely observed by humans. 'Ride of the Mergansers' brings this hidden drama to the screen.

Filmed entirely in northern Minnesota, 'Ride of the Mergansers' is a heartwarming blend of natural history, humor, and suspense. You'll be entertained, educated, and inspired - and leave with a newfound appreciation of the phrase 'leap of faith.'

http://www.RideOfTheMergansers.com

AWARDS
· Northern Lights Documentary Film Festival, Newburyport MA, October 2004, Winner "Best Short Documentary"
· Iowa City International Documentary Film Festival, April 2005, Winner, "Audience Award"
· International Wildlife Film Festival, Missoula MT, May 2005, Winner, "Best Amateur," and Recipient, "Merit Award for Music"

Biography of Director:

Steve Furman is a first-time filmmaker and wildlife/nature enthusiast from Minnesota. "Ride of the Mergansers" was written, edited, and produced solely by Mr. Furman. Hooded mergansers are extremely wary, and will often leave a breeding area if humans are detected. Using hidden cameras, Mr. Furman observed and documented the incubation and hatching activity of these reclusive ducks over a period of 4 years.