Yellowknife (Apr 30/03) - After viewing the first few films at the Waterwalker Film Festival on Saturday night, Trevor MacInnis and Corynne Oehmen were ready to jump into their canoe.

Two-time heart transplant recipient Pat Donahue spoke at the film festival about the importance of organ donation. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

"It's inspiring to see how far you can take it," MacInnis said.

The adventurous Yellowknifers may not have their canoe just yet. But they definitely want one now.

"Now we're really excited," said Oehmen.

From Christine Persaud's compelling documentary "Surfing the Seal" about 12 teens on a seven-week canoe trip in Northern Manitoba, to Newfoundlanders Justin French and Richard Alexander's often hilarious documentary "Paddling with the Past" about kayaking the waters of Greenland, the films struck a chord with the crowd.

Greg Loftus, one of the event's organizers, was bowled over by the crowd of at least 120 that showed up for the films.

"This is way more people than we expected," he said. "Yeah, we're pretty pleased."

The films made Loftus want to get paddling.

"I've been a paddler for years," he said. "There are lots of places I'd like to see. But I've got a lot of trips lined up."

But for Loftus, founder of Paddlers for Parts, and a kidney recipient, the most important part of the event is the awareness raised about organ donation. Event sponsors this year included Paddlers for Parts, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, along with Ecology North and Overlander Sports set up booths at the event.

Pat Donahue, a two-time heart transplant recipient, spoke to the crowd before the films started, saying that he is living proof organ donation is vital.

By the end of the night, there was no doubt the hearts and minds of paddlers in the audience had been engaged.

"It makes me want to jump right back into it," said Chris Carthew standing by the Overlander Sports booth. "Good timing," he said of the films. "Great kick-off to the season."