Film: Journey Down the Gila

Journey Down the Gila is the first full length feature film produced that visually captures the beauty of the Gila River through the 37-mile river run through the Gila Wilderness. The documentary, directed by Albuqurque film maker, David Garcia, tells the story of three local, New Mexico teens, who died in service to the wild places they loved, their mothers’ trip down the river they sought to protect, and the struggle to keep the Gila flowing free. 

“My desire is that the river our children held dear will be protected. I want people to see the beauty of the Gila Wilderness through our eyes—and most importantly, through the eyes of our three children.Our children can no longer speak for themselves. It is now our duty to carry on their legacy and share their vision with the world. This film is a very effective way of sharing that message.”
— Jennifer Mahl

Watch the Trailer!

Why It Matters: The Gila River is the last wild river in New Mexico. It flows freely without dams and supports wildlife, culture, and recreation. But it faces growing threats from development and climate change.

Protecting the Gila means honoring those we’ve lost, preserving its natural flow, and ensuring that future generations can experience its beauty and power.