Fishing Documentary Closes Out Long Island Film Festival in Sag Harbor

Saturday night marks the closing night of the twenty-seventh annual Long Island Film Festival at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, and will feature, among other films, a documentary about the economic struggles of charter fishermen shot in and off the coast of Montauk .

"A Long Haul," a 45-minute film, follows Captain Bart Ritchie and his mate, Krutis Briand, on the charter boat, "Mistress Too," during the summer of 2009 as they struggle to "survive" in the face of the federal restrictions on charter fishermen. Nathaniel Kramer, a fine art photographer who lives in Bridgehampton and New York City, also captured their plight as they also worked on a commercial trawler in the winter, catching squid to make ends meet.

An avid fisherman himself, Kramer said, "It's a story that hits home with everybody." Sen, a japanese restaurant in Sag Harbor, will also provide sushi during the film, because, he said, they are also impacted by the economic problems of fishermen in trying to catch fish and meet the federal standards.

Kramer, who produced, directed, and shot this film himself, said he has already shown "A Long Haul" in about 25 international festivals. He is best known for producing a documentary in 1993 called, "Choices," about prisons, starring Martin Sheen and Larry Fishburn. He also won a Tony award for producing "A View From the Bridge."

The festival opened for the second year in a row at Bay Street on Oct. 26, also featuring films from other parts of the country and from around the world. Thomas Santorelli, vice president and acting director of this festival, said that their mission is to discover, promote, and give venue to independent filmmakers from the greater New York area, as well as nationally and abroad.

"During our 27 years, we have witnessed filmmaking transform itself from a strictly film medium to a highly technological global digital art form with sophisticated software and computers," he said. Santorelli, of Bayshore, said about 50 films were submitted to the festival, of which 39 were selected. They include documentaries, short and feature films, and also student films.

Among the films was, "The Artist and His Model," which captures some amazing moments in the life of famous sculptor Bill King of Springs, as he carved a portrait of his friend, Barbara Layton, the owner of Babette's restaurant in East Hampton Village. Filmmaker Don Lenzer, who lives in Amagansett, directed and co-produced the short with Eric Glandbard.

In this 17-minute short film, King, 85, was shown working in his studio, and talking candidly about what inspires him as an artist, and also what difficulties he encounters in being an artist. He is shown in the creative process and then carrying his finished piece into the restaurant to show Layton his portrait of her. The film is intimate and creative, giving the viewer a glimpse into the life of this East Hampton artist.

At the film screening on Thursday, King and his artist wife, Connie Fox, were there, along with Layton, who said she loved how the film came out. "I've been friends with Bill for years, and I think the film was great," she said. "He gave me a sculpture which still sits in my restaurant, and now I'm happy to have this new portrait."

King said he also enjoyed watching the film, and found it interesting seeing himself on the big screen. Lenzer, who has worked on several Academy Award-winning films, including "Woodstock", said, "I really enjoyed working with Bill King—everything he says is surprising and unexpected, and his work reflects the human condition."

Tickets to the festival, which are still available for closing night are $10, which includes a full evening of films. Doors open at Bay Street Theatre at 6 p.m., and films begin at 7 p.m.