A film and discussion about Oregon’s wild salmon
October 13 | 6:30-8:15 pm
About Running Wild: Return to the River
Witness one of nature’s most compelling sagas – the incredible life of Pacific salmon – in Running Wild: Return to the River. Prepare for a breathtaking immersion into a vital ecosystem where the fate of wild salmon is intertwined with iconic wildlife and untamed beauty. Narrated by Academy Award® nominee Liam Neeson with stunning visuals and intimate storytelling, the film follows the epic return of wild salmon to the streams where they began. From the grizzlies and wolves that patrol the rivers’ edge to the orcas and eagles reliant on their ocean bounty, discover the profound influence of wild salmon across both land and sea.
40 minutes | 2026 | Rated G
6:15 pm | Theater doors open
6:30 pm | Documentary: Running Wild: Return to the River in 3D
7:15pm | Discussion about the urgent campaign to protect salmon strongholds in southern Oregon and northern California from strip nickel mining with special guests:
– Zach Collier, Whitewater Guide and Business Owner
– Stacey Detwiler, WSC Oregon Policy Director
– Ramona DeNies, WSC Senior Writer & Producer (moderator)
TICKETS:
Pay what you can, tickets for this event will be a sliding scale of $0-$15.
Zach Collier, Whitewater Guide and Business Owner
Zach is an avid river runner who spends as much time as possible on the water, whether kayaking, SUP surfing, or navigating rapids in his cataraft. Based in Hood River, Oregon, Zach has built a life around whitewater adventure, technical rowing, and sharing rivers with others. As owner and operator of Northwest Rafting Company, Zach leads trips throughout Oregon and Washington while also guiding international expeditions to destinations including Chile, Siberia, and Bhutan.
Stacey Detwiler, WSC Oregon Policy Director
Stacey leads a team working to conserve and restore streamflow and advance climate-smart forestry reforms to better protect wild salmon streams. She previously worked as the Conservation Director for Rogue Riverkeeper in southern Oregon and with American Rivers in Washington, DC. Stacey earned her MS in Water Resources Policy and management from Oregon State University.
Ramona DeNies, WSC Senior Writer & Producer
Ramona leads written and video content production at Wild Salmon Center. Previously, he was the News and Travel Editor at Portland Monthly. Her journalism has appeared in Outside, the Believer, and the Seattle Met. She has a BA in English and Latin American studies from the University of Kansas and an MFA in Creative Writing-Nonfiction from Portland State University.
What is Reel Science?
Watch and learn at The Empirical Theater as OMSI brings the science of your favorite movies and documentaries to life on the big screen. Perfect for science and film lovers alike, this series combines the best of Science Pub with the fun of movie night, bringing in experts to amplify your movie-watching experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Email event@omsi.edu
Ticketing questions call 503-797-4000 x0
Yes, the Empirical Cafe will be open with prepackaged salads, sandwiches and movie snacks. The bar will be open to guests that are 21+. No outside food or drink is allowed.
Click here for OMSI’s overall accessibility information. Below are the specific details for the Empirical Theater.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
Several daytime documentaries and newer evening full-features offer closed captions, audio description, and volume amplification. The CaptiView closed caption units allow guests to see captions for their show by using a cup holder device that they can adjust within their view, and the Fidelio RX audio description units deliver descriptive narration and can also amplify the theater volume and dialogue.
The Showing Today signs updated daily at the front desk and theater entrance indicate which features offer closed captions (CC) and audio description (AD), while volume amplification is available for all theater content including events such as Science Pub and Reel Science.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for theater guests and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
- CaptiView closed caption (CC) viewing devices
- Fidelio RX audio description and volume amplification units
- Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the seats not including arm and back rests:
- Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- Two accessible seating area chairs 39.29″ high, 29.5″ wide, and 29″ deep
- Additional accessible seating area chairs available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- The weight capacity for the accessible seating area chairs are 500lbs, and the additional accessible seating area chairs support between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
- Noise reducing headphones
- Fidget toys
- Sunglasses
- Visual and auditory timer
- 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
- Sanitizing wipes
Please contact OMSI Guest Services at (503) 797-4000 or Info@OMSI.edu with any additional specific questions or needs.
Parking is $2 + fees for after-hours events.