By Dan Nonte, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-4314
Posted 9-2-10
GREENSBORO, N.C. – “Wild Caught,” a documentary by UNCG faculty member Matt Barr recounting the travails of the 300-year-old fishing industry in Snead’s Ferry, will be shown statewide on WUNC-TV at 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3.
“Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town” describes the disappearing way of life for fishermen as skyrocketing real estate taxes and fuel costs coupled with environmental degradation and globalization challenge their livelihood. Barr, an associate professor in the Department of Media Studies, premiered the film on campus in 2006.
Viewers meet not only fishermen, but also others in the Eastern North Carolina town whose survival revolves around the sea – net makers, crab pot makers and those who sell fishing tackle.
“These fishermen are practicing sustainable, small-scale fishing,” said Barr. “Unfortunately in the mind’s eye of the public, they’re grouped together with large-scale, trawler operations. This film is about more than fishing. It is about family, community, spirituality, life itself. These people have a connection to the natural world that most of us don’t have.”
Filmed over a seven-year period, “Wild Caught” has become an advocacy piece for fishermen in North Carolina and throughout the country. It is being distributed to the PBS system by NETA, the National Educational Telecommunications Association.
Shortened to one hour for broadcast, the film is part of Barr’s Unheard Voices Project. It has been shown in film festivals, academic conferences and community screenings.
