Description

The first Gloucester screening of Shep Abbott’s film, ‘GLOUCESTER SPEAKS’
Fishermen, Scientists, Public Officials, Scholars, Authors, Artists, Merchants, Local Citizens: in Gloucester documentarian Shep Abbott’s new film ‘Gloucester Speaks’ – nearly a decade in the making – all of these people convey their deeply-held thoughts and feelings about their storied City's illustrious past, present, and projected future.

Beginning in 1606 with explorer Samuel de Champlain's naming and mapping of what was to become America's first commercial fishing port – "Le Beauport" (The Beautiful Harbor) – the film is narrated by Gloucester residents.  Their historic port experienced many blessings over the ensuing 400 years, such as the establishment of the greatest cod fishery in the world.  It would also endure profound sorrows, including the disappearance of the indigenous Pawtucket People and the eventual loss of 10,000+ fishermen to the sea.

These hardy New England residents share their concerns about the present day, exploring today's crises of the loss of that great fishery, floods brought by advancing, warming oceans, 100-year storms, and the continuing loss of remaining fish populations heading north to find colder waters.  Their stories, hopes and dreams are told with warmth, dignity, and humor, manifesting a deep love and concern for this historic and beautiful fishing port.