A Perpetual Series of Occasions for Hope

4 films in this block • 52 minutes

The Films

Spring fish harvest with the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin

  • Year 2025
  • Country USA
  • Runtime 4 min
  • Director Bonnie Willison

Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Has Subtitles

Spearfishing brings Ojibwe families together, honors ancestors, and provides food for the community. Despite this, spearfishing is often misunderstood outside of Indigenous communities. Hear from the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin about what spearfishing means to them, and how they scientifically manage the fishery.

Currentcy

  • Year 2026
  • Country USA
  • Runtime 12 min
  • Director Ryan Christians

Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick

After a traumatic chapter left Ashley battling anxiety and depression, he discovered that the river offered more than just fish. Currentcy follows one man’s journey as fly fishing became a path toward connection, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

At the Altar of the Golden God

  • Year 2024
  • Country USA
  • Runtime 13 min
  • Director Erik Sudheimer

Adult Language, Staff Pick

This episode of SHORELUNCH we find the crew prowling the river shallows of the Pacific Northwest in search of monster carps! There’s also a legendary Chinese-American sandwich of legends. Join us for lunch (and rabid squirrels) at the altar of the golden god!

Jac

  • Year 2026
  • Country USA
  • Runtime 23 min
  • Director Mike Brooks

Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere, First Time Filmmaker

At 86 years old, Michigan fly fishing legend Jac Ford still paddles rivers across Michigan and Montana, guiding clients and teaching fellow guides his craft. In Jac, the master angler reveals some of his secrets, and shares a lifetime of wisdom for living a long, happy life.