Harbor Theater to host screening of ‘relentless destruction’ of ground fishing industry

Screening it tonight, April 9, at 7 p.m.
Mon, 04/09/2018 - 9:45am

A documentary film dealing with the devastating impacts of federal regulations on the lives of New England ground fishermen will be at the Harbor Cinema in Boothbay Harbor on Monday, April 9 at 7 p.m.

“Dead in the Water,” produced and directed by professional filmmaker David Wittkower, features scenes and interviews with New England ground fishermen, their spouses and other family members; advocates for fishermen; elected officials; and community activists.

“This film opens the doors for the world to see how difficult and dangerous the life of a fisherman is,” said John Bell, a former three-term mayor of Gloucester, Massachusetts. “On top of that, the impact of misguided federal regulations on fishermen has never been presented as powerfully as it is in ‘Dead in the Water.’  This film packs a real punch.  It stays with you long after you’ve seen it.” 

Wittkower, a graduate of the American Film Institute and New England native who’s been living and working in Los Angeles since 1981, describes “Dead in the Water” as an examination of “the relentless destruction of the New England ground fishing industry through government regulations, bad science, and the growing, but mistaken, belief that everything has been overfished and there aren’t any fish left in the oceans.”

The idea for the film came from a casual conversation he had on a sidewalk in Gloucester three years ago.  “I was back in Rockport on a visit and I drove into Gloucester and noticed there were very few fishing boats in the harbor,” Wittkower said.  “I asked someone, ‘Where’s the fleet?’ and he said, ‘What fleet? The fleet’s been dwindling for years, and this is what’s left.’”

The documentary, which was two-and-a-half years in the making, is Wittkower’s fifteenth. On March 18, “Dead in the Water” received an award for Excellence in Cinematography for a Documentary at the Depth of Field International Film Festival competition. 

Wittkower said he’s hoping now that “something better than an award” will come from his latest project.  “I’m hoping,” he said, “to increase public support for U.S. fishermen.  I want to help keep fishing jobs in this country. If ‘Dead in the Water’ can do that, I won’t need any more awards.”

The Boothbay Harbor screening is one of four upcoming opportunities to view the film in Maine and is part of a larger New England tour. The Harbor Cinema is located at 185 Townsend Avenue.  Contact Harbor Theatre at 633-0438 for ticket information.