The Rotary Club of Longboat Key is nearing completion of a short documentary film series created in collaboration with Ringling College of Art and Design’s film department. Partners include the Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay, Save our Seabirds, Longboat Key Turtle Watch, Mote Marine Laboratories, the Town of Longboat Key, Oyster River Ecology (ORE) and Suncoast Waterkeeper.
On March 24, I had the pleasure of working with seniors in the film department as part of the series highlighting the work of the Sister Keys Conservancy and Longboat Key in protecting the islands and the work of Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK). I picked up the SCWK patrol boat early that morning and, after an interview about the Sister Keys and Suncoast Waterkeeper, we took a boat ride on Sarasota Bay and a tour of the Sister Keys.
As part of the project, an introductory short film is being developed regarding Rotary’s initiative to network with conservation organizations in support of environmental sustainability and stewardship via educational outreach. Once completed, the films will be available to organizations including district Rotary clubs, other civic and conservation organizations, and academic institutions. Exemplary people in action will be highlighted. Two additional short films will illuminate the unique grassroots history and real-time examples of sea turtle and shorebird conservation, research and education services provided by the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, Mote Marine Laboratories, Save Our Seabirds, SCWK, ORE and other environmental groups.
The effort intends to establish a multi-year film documentary program with the Ringling film department to highlight contemporary coastal ecology and sustainability issues and solutions. Additional future topics anticipated include micro-foresting, eco-restoration and Sarasota Bay conservation.
A summer internship at Ringling College is being established to facilitate the development of short film documentaries and provide students with a meaningful work/study experience.
I’ll keep readers apprised of the progress of the series and the date the film series will be premiered.
