September 6th: 4 films, 4 stories, 4 cameras focused on our coasts!

First Friday Films will be showing four short environmental films on Friday, September 6^th at 6:30pm at American Memorial Park in coordination with Coastal Month to celebrate our coasts and the resources that they provide.

The four films being presented are from the Centre for Science Communication in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. First will be “Bluffed”, a 2006 film by Katie McSweeney about fishermen taking a stand to save their livelihood and a national icon – the bluffed oyster. Next, “Beyond the Kelp” by Amy Taylor and Rohan Currey (2005) takes us to the shores to find Hector’s dolphins and see how these amazing animals connect with the people of New Zealand. Third will be “Titans of the Coral Sea,” a film by Jordan Plotsky (2008) examining what happens when a fishing village lets the modern world in and their ancient ways become lost along with their livelihood.

The 2011 film “Tangled Waters” will be the evening's finale, directed by Saipan resident, Nicole Schafer, and Andrew Scott. Their 2011 film will let the audience jump in and wind their way through a comedic journey of shakrs, surf and local politics to discover how a small community brought an end to a forty-year practice. After the film, director Nicole Schafer will be available for a Q&A session.

First Friday Films is a partnership between American Memorial Park, the Division of Environmental Quality, Coastal Resources Management and the Humanities Council with support from other organizations. These films are sponsored by Coastal Resources Management. As always, our film events are free and open to the public. This event will run about 90 minutes.

For more information about First Friday Films, email fffsaipan@gmail.com.