Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayers & Rush Sturges | 2025 | 18 min.
2026 Official Selection
On Deer Isle, Maine, home to one of the world’s most productive lobster ports, warming waters and invisible microplastic pollution threaten a centuries-old way of life. As veteran lobsterman Joel Billings and his daughter Hannah reckon with the possible end of their family’s tradition, neighbor and microplastics researcher Abby Barrows offers a vision for a more sustainable future through plastic-free aquaculture.
| March 14, 2026 | Fredericksburg | VA | University of Mary Washington (The Ballroom) |
EN AYERS
Ben is a documentary film director and producer, writer, National Geographic Explorer and humanitarian who has worked extensively in Vermont and the Nepal Himalaya for over 20 years. In addition to founding and managing two leading nonprofits in Nepal, Ben is an award-winning film producer and director. His films include Snow Leopard Sisters (2024 - in production), The Last Honey Hunter (2017) and Mothered by Mountains (2018) and specialize in telling true, intimate stories from some of the world’s most difficult places.
ANDREW LYNCH
Andrew is a multi-award-winning director and cinematographer with a proven track record of producing and directing compelling feature documentaries. With extensive experience in environmental impact storytelling and sports content, he brings a dynamic visual style and a deep understanding of narrative to every project. His work seamlessly blends artistry and purpose, capturing powerful stories that inspire, inform, and drive change.
RUSH STURGES
Rush is an award-winning filmmaker, record-setting kayaker and genre-defying musical artist with his feet planted firmly in the creative and natural worlds. Rush is known for dozens of kayaking films including the Netflix documentary The River Runner and Chasing Niagara.
