Niagara daredevils take spotlight in student documentary
Sheridan College students hope to share ‘Over the Edge’ with audiences in December
A group of college students are putting the final touches on a documentary chronicling the adventures of Niagara Falls daredevils including John (Dave) Munday.
When students at Sheridan College’s advanced television and film program were tasked with making a documentary as part of a school project, one student, Carter Purtelle, turned to his fascination with the daredevils of Niagara Falls for inspiration.
The film, called “Over the Edge,” focuses on Munday, who
survived two plunges over the Horseshoe Falls, as well as the
psychology of daredevils.
“Our team found Dave’s story extremely compelling with three attempts to go over the falls — two successful attempts — along with a successful attempt of the Niagara Whirlpool,” said student producer Caitlin Mackay.
Munday, now 83, lives in Nova Scotia.
The team launched a GoFundme campaign earlier this year and was able to raise more than $1,200 to help cover costs to send the crew to Eastern Canada to interview Munday.
“We send him constant updates and he is excited to see the finished film,” Mackay said. “Dave has been extremely helpful every step of the way.”
Born in Caistor Centre in 1937, Munday was a mechanic by trade.
His first attempt to conquer the falls in an aluminum barrel, in the summer of 1985, was thwarted by Niagara Parks Police.
That fall, he returned and fulfilled his quest.
In September 1993 he went over the falls in a metal barrel and, at 56, became the first person to go over the falls twice.
In addition to speaking with Munday, the students interviewed Michael Clarkson, local author of the 2016 book “The Age of Daredevils,” and Kip Finn, great-grandson of legendary riverman William Red Hill Sr.
Production of the documentary was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The students now expect the film to be ready by the end of December.