Empire: The Whitewater Story follows a year of paddling in New York State, showcasing some of the finest whitewater the region offers as a crew explores its hidden rivers. More than a paddling reel, it tells the story of people who use these waterways as a vehicle to find the things we all search for in life.

Why This Film Matters: Whitewater is often filmed in far-flung meccas, but Empire finds it close to home, in the overlooked rivers of one American state. It's a reminder that adventure and community can be built on the water in your own backyard, if you know where to look.