Followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and local experts (see bios below)!
In Collaboration with the Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance and the MV Fishermen’s Preservation Trust
Fishermen live a life that’s deeply connected to nature, shaped by the rhythm of the tides, the temperament of the sea, and the unpredictability of the catch. Their work is both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding, often driven more by passion than profit.
The Hand That Holds The Line, a new documentary by Geoff C. Bassett and Kim Roderiques, shine a light on Cape Cod fishermen who have devoted their lives to one of the most challenging and dangerous professions in the world.
Geoffrey Bassett is a Cape Cod based Director, Cinematographer, and photographer. Winner of multiple awards for cinematography and directing, Geoff loves working with others to create narrative and documentary films. Geoff lives in Harwich with his wife Cecilia and their young daughter. “
Photographer KIM RODERIQUES specializes in portraiture of animals and people. Her work has been featured in Dogs on Cape Cod, I Am of Cape Cod, and I Am of Chatham. Her latest books, Dogs in the Province Lands and Chatham: A Cape Cod Village, benefit local charities. She has also produced five documentaries, including the award-winning “How Horses Heal”. Her latest documentary is entitled “The Hand That Holds The Line”. Kim was honored with the Champion for Animals award by the Animal Rescue League of Boston and The Guardian Angel Award from the MSPCA.
Photo by Brooke Marriott
Shelley Edmundson is the Executive Director of the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, a local non-profit committed to ensuring the sustainability of the Vineyard’s commercial fishing community, its heritage, and the island’s access to local seafood for generations to come.
Shelley’s relationship with Martha’s Vineyard’s fishing community began during her doctoral studies which focused on channeled whelk, a commercially harvested marine snail. Throughout her research, Shelley partnered with local fishermen to promote species conservation and sustainable fishery management.
With the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, Shelley continues to work in collaboration with the island’s fishermen toward the common goal of realizing the promise of healthy fish stocks, thriving fishermen, and community access to local seafood, both now and in the future.
Melissa Sanderson leads collaborative research projects while coordinating and supporting staff activities across our diverse work. Mel often can be found in the space where the best ideas of the small-boat fleet are brought forward to scientists, tried and tested, and worked into regulations to help fish and fishermen. She came onboard in 2004, serving as Cooperative Research Coordinator and later as Development Director and Assistant Director. Mel grew up in Minnesota, but earned her sea legs studying marine biology on the West Coast, where she received her BA in Marine Biology from Occidental College. She interned with the Fishermen’s Alliance while obtaining her Masters in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University. She serves on the Board of Directors for ARC Hatchery, shepherded the creation of the state’s first strategic plan for shellfish (Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative), was awarded the 40 Under 40 Award from Cape & Plymouth Business, and served on the Cape Cod Young Professionals Board of Directors (2009-2014).
