The Films

• Year 2019
• Country The U.S. and Canada
• Runtime 11 min
• Director Ben Hemmings

The endangered Orcas of the Pacific Northwest rely on the West Coast Chinook salmon for food. However, salmon stocks are diminishing due to loss of habitat and increasing pollution - ultimately impacting the Orca. Interestingly, reforestation is one of the best ways to help restore salmon habitats. Trees help reduce runoff into the rivers, cool water temperatures, and add beneficial woody debris to the water that help salmon develop, ultimately increasing food supply for Orca whales.

• Year 2019
• Runtime 4 min
• Director Kevin Steen

An intimate portrait of midwestern lake surfer Erik Wilkie.

• Year 2020
• Country United States
• Runtime 7 min
• Director Jack Sarcone

This film tells of the end of an era. Ireland has a rich history in its lighthouses. Gerald is one of about a dozen living lighthouse keepers in Ireland, as these lighthouses have become automated since the mid-nineties.

• Year 2020
• Country Canada
• Runtime 9 min
• Director Andrew Wyton

Michigan Premiere

Psychodelic surf siren Andrew Wyton is back with an out-of-this-world twist on Great Lakes surf films.

• Year 2020
• Country USA
• Runtime 7 min
• Director gnarly bay

Like most things, Covid-19 wreaked havoc on the RI seafood industry. Through the wisdom of local fishermen, To The Surface explores the struggles and tries to shed light on some common sense solutions to the challenges that face the industry. Epilogue: During production, on May 1st 2020, an emergency action passed, temporarily allowing fishermen in Rhode Island to sell finned fish directly off the boat to consumers. The hope is to make this emergency regulation permanent.

• Year 2018
• Country United States
• Runtime 26 min
• Director Ellie Burck

Filmmaker in Attendance

Cast your line into another world. What is out there? An unknown.
Meet the people who explore the hills and valleys of the lake bottom.
Why do they do it? What happens when they and the fish meet?
Moments are shared. Life cycles circle. And I keep the camera rolling.