Trailblazers

In 1982, brothers Troy and Gil Gillenwater decided to walk across the state of Arizona. Without GPS, mobile phones, or continuous trails, they cobbled together an 810-mile adventure that took over two months and two mules to complete. Little did they know, their trek would be an inspiration for the Arizona National Scenic Trail, now hiked by thousands each year.

That remarkable origin story comes to life in “Trailblazers” — a 40-minute documentary produced by the Emmy Award-winning team at Quantum Leap Productions.

The film premieres on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. The evening benefits the Arizona Trail Association Endowment, supporting the long-term protection, stewardship, and future of the Arizona Trail.

Featuring rare archival footage and compelling interviews with Bruce Babbitt, former Arizona Governor and U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and Kevin Fedarko, acclaimed author of “The Emerald Mile” and “A Walk in the Park”, “Trailblazers” traces the Gillenwater trek and the enduring spirit of exploration that helped shape one of Arizona’s greatest public-lands legacies.

Part road movie, part time machine, “Trailblazers” is about how one audacious idea can spark a lasting legacy for generations to follow.

The evening includes conversation with film subjects Troy Gillenwater and Gil Gillenwater; Matt Nelson, Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association, and Robert Stieve, Editor in Chief of Arizona Highways — moderated by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Kristin Atwell.

“Trailblazers” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona.