Evening Film & Talk: RAFTING THE VINDELÄLVEN, SWEDEN

On this trip, the rain never stops" – but neither do Ben (from Hartley Wintney) and Hugo. In 2013 the pair set out to Sorsele in Northern Sweden to build a raft out of pallets and plastic containers. With their DIY construction christened "Melissa" they put in on the Vindelälven, bound for rapids, thunder storms and a bumpy ride to the sea.

Optimists at heart, the pair initially plans a two-week-trip — it would become a 6 year long expedition in stages. Year after year Ben and Hugo return to Sweden with their ukuleles "Red" and "Blue" to finish what they started, against all odds, rapids, midge invasions and storms.

This film has received critical acclaim, having toured with the European Outdoor Film Tour in 350 venues across Europe, ultimately winning the Audience Award for best film. In an exclusive showing, and only the second one in the UK, the film, and the protagonists come to Hartley Wintney!

Ben Andrews, who was brought up in Hartley Wintney, with his great friend Hugo share their experience of rafting the Vindelälven. 
The film and talk outlines them setting out to Sorselle in Northern Sweden, building a raft out of pallets and plastic containers and then their journey from the source of the Vindelälven to the sea. This is an epic adventure with many close and exciting encounters. 

The evening consists of Ben introducing two short documentary films (45 minutes total) followed by an interval.
The second half will be Ben's film (22 minutes) along with a talk and Q&As. 

Trailer 'To the Sea'