NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Jessica Shively, Communications & Development Associate
207-367-2788
jessica@operahousearts.org

DATE: August 12, 2025
TITLE: Free Screenings of Local Interest Documentaries at the Stonington Opera House 

Stonington, ME – Films of local interest will soon be plentiful in Stonington.  Throughout August and September three different short films will be screened for free at the Stonington Opera House.

The films and the dates are: 

• Aquaculture for People and Planet on Wednesday, August 27 at 7pm

• Building Hope: Ending Homelessness on Tuesday, September 16 at 7pm

• Sludge: A PFAS Uprising on Sunday, September 28 at 2pm

Part of the Island Institute’s Climate of Change series, Aquaculture for People and Planet will continue its Maine tour at the Stonington Opera House.  This short film explores how the Island Institute is helping Maine’s seafood businesses lower their carbon footprint, boost resilience, and build a thriving, sustainable seafood economy.  This screening will be followed by a talkback moderated by Director of the Center for Marine Economy at the Island Institute, Sam Belknap.  Speakers will include Abby Barrows, Owner of Deer Isle Oyster Company and Sam Feldman, Community Development Officer at the Island Institute.     

A film by Richard Kane and Melody Lewis-Kane, Building Hope: Ending Homelessness is about one of the worst societal traumas of this century.  This documentary puts a face to those experiencing homelessness and tells us it can happen to anyone.  This event is sponsored by Joan Sorensen allowing admission to be free for all.  

Sludge: A PFAS Uprising tells the stories of Maine farmers who are speaking up about “forever chemicals” poisoning their land, water, and livestock…only to lose everything in the process. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and PFAS experts. This film is shown in partnership with the Shaw Institute and is sponsored by Amy and Terry Britton.

For more information about the films visit operhousearts.org or call 207-367-2788. 

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Photos attached:

1. Aquaculture for People and Planet courtesy of the Island Institute

2. Building Hope courtesy of Richard Kane

3. Sludge courtesy of the Shaw Institute.