Premiere Poster
If one of those dreaded sink holes had opened up and swallowed the Raymond Theater last night, the oyster industry as we know it here on Willapa Bay would probably be non-existent today. Or maybe it would be up to our oystering neighbor, Dan Driscoll, to carry on alone. He was about the only oysterman I didn’t see (though he could have been there!) at the World Premiere of the final episode of “Willapa Bay Oysters” by filmmaker Keith Cox.
The theater was jam-packed – to the extent that Keith took to the stage a few minutes before ‘show time’ and asked adults with small children to free up seats if need be by holding kids on their laps. And there were lots of kids. After all, the series is not only about oysters – it is the story of families, too, many of whom have been in the oyster business here for generations.
Last night’s showing was especially for the women and men of the oyster industry and for the peripheral folks (like me) who have contributed in some way to this gigantic project. We all thought we were going to see the seventh and final episode on the big screen — “My only chance at a world premiere,” Keith had said when he invited us. We were surprised to learn that it was an “extra” episode – an all-encompassing eighth disk that, Keith told me later, he will most likely make available as a stand-alone documentary. And, he confessed, the seventh episode isn’t quite ready yet!
Keith and his Mom, Maurene
That’s what happens when you live in L.A. with your family, work on big films such as “The Hobbit” for a living, and decide you want to do an in-depth film about an industry that is centered in the place of your childhood two states and 1200 miles away. Keith began working on the project in 2009, envisioning a seven-part series. Almost five years plus eight trips north to research and interview and film and… the work continues.
The results are stunning. All aspects of the oyster industry are covered – the history of its successes and failures; the changes in equipment, boats, and the oysters, themselves; the current problems of global warming and increasing ocean acidity; the ever- changing demands of the marketplace; the research and outlook for the future.
Most importantly, “Willapa Bay Oysters” is a thorough and informative documentation of the occupations and lifestyle of many of our neighbors. I learn something new each time I see an episode, and last night was no exception. At the reception afterwards, the place was abuzz with Keith’s accomplishment. Community pride was in full bloom and will no doubt continue to blossom this afternoon at the second showing of this remarkable film. Kudos, Keith Cox!
I am sorry to have missed this. Originally I’d intended to stay on the Peninsula until tomorrow and thus would have been able to attend, but family matters (as well as a broken oven) called me home. Glad that you are pleased with the results!