What is DarkWater?
DarkWater is a documentary film celebrating the
story of fourth and fifth generation commercial fishermen who are facing a
rapidly growing disaster which is affecting their livelihood and families in
the Ohio River Valley.
The culprit, Asian carp, an aggressively invasive aquatic species that is reeking havoc on the environment of Western Kentucky and on the economic stability of the local fishing industry that has supported families in the area for generations.
Focusing on the men, women, and families who fish the lakes and rivers of the 2,500 square-mile Jackson Purchase region, DarkWater is giving their struggles, their history and their accomplishments a voice.
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How did it start?
DarkWater was conceived by Glenn Hall almost two years ago when he
became fascinated about finding out about the commercial fishermen in
his region. He noticed that there was very little written or documented on
the subject and went on a mission to discover as much as he could. Along the
way he has become very passionate about raising the public's awareness to
the devastating problems the fishermen, economics and aquatic ecology
are facing.
To further the mission of raising
awareness, Glenn Hall has
partnered with the Jackson Purchase Foundation.
Both partners possess intimate knowledge of the region and are respected and
trusted by the individuals and groups who are participating in the film.
The partnership is supported by a
volunteer team of marketing and other professionals, community activists and
artists from Western Kentucky, and the active participation of those most
affected by the Asian carp invasion.
Who are we?
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Glenn Hall Photography is based in the
Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky area, focusing on commercial
advertising, corporate, annual report and editorial portrait. Working with a
diverse client base while maintaining a consistent vision. Coming from a film
based foundation, and bringing the experience to digital media with backgrounds
on location and in the studio.
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Since 1994, the Jackson Purchase Foundation has been
recognized for its exceptional leadership in developing, implementing, and
sustaining projects that ensure the intelligent use and preservation of Western
Kentucky’s natural resources. In
partnership with government agencies, businesses, civic groups, not-for-profits, and other
community-engaged organizations, the Foundation promotes healthy environments
and sustainable growth through programs that educate, empower, and give a voice
to individuals and communities across the seven-county Jackson Purchase region
of Western Kentucky.
What we’ve done so far
Our focus to date has been on building our own knowledge of the issues that we want to film and building our working and personal relationships with local fishermen, state-wide sporting organizations, including state government agencies, and others both locally and in other parts of the region. A significant amount of film has been shot, for example interviews, fishing trips, and scenes on lakes and river in the Purchase region.
More than a year of conversations, interviews and first-hand encounters on the waters have allowed Glenn and his creative team a unique insight into the lives of the people who spend their lives on the rivers and reservoirs, making their living from the fishing industry.
We have seen that there is a great need and want for DarkWater by individuals and groups who are concerned with the health of the small businesses and the environment.
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What’s motivating us
From their limited introduction in Arkansas, Asian carp have spread in incredible numbers to eight states along the Mississippi and five of its tributaries. Unless there are effective efforts to contain their growth, the carp could eventually dominate in more than 7,000 miles of river through thirteen states. There is quantifiable evidence that the carp have dramatically reduced the number of native fish in the affected areas and is increasingly impacting the incomes of many thousands of people. Our goal is to capture the cultural, environmental, and economic challenges caused by Asian carp on the commercial fishermen's livelihood and families. Using compelling imagery we want to give, you, the viewer the opportunity to see an important, little seen human and natural world.
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Meet DJ
A catfish commercial fisherman specializing in building his own custom box traps. He has an ability that few can match. With over 20 years of experience, he has a deep rooted knowledge of the waterways in the Ohio River Valley region.
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Meet Ronny
A 3rd generation commercial fisherman. Fishing is in his blood, he was born into it. Ronny, his son and grandson fish, work, fight, play and do business together. Their business is in trouble as they are struggling to eradicate Asian Carp without killing everything else. They are hoping for an ease on Fish and Wildlife regulations and a better market for Asian carp, giving them an incentive to aggressively target this invasive species. Here is a portion of the documentary with Ronny talking about the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Asian Carp Harvest program on Lake Barkley that he is a part of: http://vimeo.com/59929124
What we will do with your support
The most important expense is the purchase of a boat and motor. Because the fishermen generally work at night, this purchase will allow greater flexibility in scheduling shoots and is more cost effective than boat rental. Once on the water filming is complete, the boat and motor will be sold and the money reinvested into the film. Support will also be used for fuel, mooring, and other boat maintenance costs.
Other expenses will include: (1) transportation and per diem costs for photographers associated with scheduled filming; (2) rental and/or purchase of film and sound equipment; (3) costs for permits and other fees associated with filming; (4) costs for creating donor rewards; and (5) Indiegogo service fees. It is important to note that film and sound equipment already owned by the partners is contributed pro bono to the film.
Where to learn more
Visit the partners’ websites at www.jpf.org and glennhallphotography.com.
Follow us on Facebook: Jackson Purchase Foundation | DarkWater | Glenn Hall Photography
DarkWater on Jackson Purchase Foundation
DarkWater website
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife website and Asian Carp Madness
Flying Asian carp on National Geographic
Silver Flying carp on National Geographic
Local news coverage here and here
Local attention has also be generated by an exhibition of still prints from the film presented at Ruth Baggett Gallery, a prominent art gallery in Paducah, KY.
Meet DJ
Meet Ronny