KINGSTON, R.I. – September 10, 2008 – American Fisheries, a documentary film about the history of the cod fishery and its recent collapse, will have its Rhode Island premiere on Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. in Weaver Auditorium in the Coastal Institute on University of Rhode Island’s Kingston campus.
Sponsored by the URI student chapter of the Coastal Society, the screening is free and open to the public.
Produced by Bailey Pryor, president and chief executive officer of Telemark Films, the documentary follows the ups and downs of the cod fishery over 500 years and examines the effect of the changing regulations on the fishery. Drawing on the sometimes contradictory perspectives of fishermen, ecologists, fisheries managers, and historians, the film reveals an epic story that stretches from the age of sail to what may become an age of sustainability.
Shot over a three-year period in England, Iceland, Canada, and New England (including Rhode Island), the film received its world premiere at the Boston International Film Festival in June 2008.
Following the screening at URI, Pryor will be joined by a Who’s Who of fisheries and marine science experts to discuss the film and the issues it raises, including Andrew Rosenberg, U.S. Ocean’s Commission; Dave Goethel, New England Fisheries Management Council; Bill Leavenworth, Gulf of Maine Cod Project; author and historian Jeff Bolster; and URI marine affairs professors Richard Pollnac and Seth Macinko.
“This film explores both the transformation of the living ocean and the embattled fishing industry,” Bailey said. “Bringing to light one of the most significant environmental disasters in history, it nevertheless raises hope for the future.”
Telemark Films is an award winning film production company specializing in long-form documentaries, feature films and television series. In addition to American Fisheries, Pryor produced the extreme skiing and snowboarding film Warren Miller’s Ride, the treasure-hunting adventure film Mystic Nights and Pirate Fights, and the television movie X-Team, about extreme athletes recruited as secret agents.
For more information about the event, contact the URI chapter of The Coastal Society at tcs.uri@gmail.com.