Women On The Water: Film, Panel Discussion At The Orpheum Oct. 1

Last fall, when Rachel Hutchinson first saw "Women on the Water," a documentary showcasing the independence, determination and grit of six New Hampshire women who have overcome multiple challenges to establish themselves in the seafood and aquaculture business, she knew she wanted to share their stories with the local community.

 On Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m., that 90-minute film, originally produced by the New Hampshire Sea Grant program, will be shown free of charge at the Chatham Orpheum Theater. Following the screening, a panel discussion with local women who work on the water will be held. Moderated by Gabriela Bradt, who produced and co-created the film with Tim Briggs and director Haley McHarton Ballou, the panel will include Renee Gagne, Chatham Shellfish Constable; Shareen Davis, co-founder of the Chatham Harvesters Co-op; and Kaliope Chute, owner of Mermaids Menu Oyster Farm in Provincetown.

 After seeing the film, Hutchinson, who is a board member of the Friends of Chatham Waterways (FCW), brought the idea to her board to consider sponsoring the showing, which they did. 

"FCW tries to support healthy waterways," Hutchinson said and having a more diverse fishing workforce can help do that. "We are highlighting a minority that is often overlooked."

 According to FCW President Kristin Andres, "the Cape has a blue economy, and to help that stay viable, as residents of the Cape we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the land and protect the water quality in our embayments that are the nurseries for fisheries."

 Hutchinson is a marine resource specialist for Barnstable County and is involved in outreach efforts related to the fishing industry. The Barnstable County Cooperative Extension and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Sea Grant also agreed to co-sponsor the screening, as did the Cape Cod Salties Sportfishing Club.

 "Women on the Water" tells the stories of six women in New Hampshire who have overcome personal and societal challenges to establish themselves in lobstering, seafood distribution, oyster farming and tuna fishing on their own terms. 

"We are bringing these fisheries to the public so people can see what the day in the life of a fisherman can look like," Hutchinson said. "The film shows the challenges, barriers and rewards through four distinct stories."

 The women come from different worlds, Hutchinson noted, and all different walks of life, ranging in age from 18 to the 60s. "It's a cool film to watch," she added. "We don't get to see these things every day." And the panelists reflect some of the same fields shown in the film, including fishing regulation, shellfish harvesting and fisheries co-ops, mimicking the stories in the film.

 "It's a really interesting film even if people know nothing about the fishing industry. It's a fascinating story!" Hutchinson said.

 This event is free but tickets are required. For more information and to reserve a ticket, go to chathamorpheum.org.