The feature documentary, Bite to Bite by local Austin filmmaker Kelly Lipscomb, celebrated the World Premiere at the Austin Film Festival. Lipscomb not only directed the film but is the Director of Photography and one of the producers, alongside Matt Tisdale, Robbie Schallert. From the Canadian waters to Japan, the film follows a fisherman’s catch to where it then travels to the market for auction. For someone who may not be familiar with fishing, or what it takes to make a life as a fisherman, this is a very entertaining and engaging story – one that feels very timely as well.
There are so many films to choose from at the festival, and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to view this film. It is not simply about catching fish and selling them. There is so much to learn about what goes into being prepared to make a living from fishing, the rules, the requirements (and lack of them in some cases) and the investment of time, effort and energy. The scenery is also captivating, both ariel and underwater scenes. While the film does not delve deeply into issues that are brought up, this is a great film to learn from and may spark someone to pursue some more education and action.
About: Bite to Bite chronicles the journey of one giant Bluefin tuna from the frigid waters of Nova Scotia to the sushi tables of Japan as two lifelong Canadian fishermen and a scientist from Texas set off to follow their fish halfway around the globe to the world-famous Tsukiji seafood market in Tokyo. Along the way, the film serves up a rare glimpse inside the controversial but lucrative world of Bluefin tuna as it interweaves tales of overfishing, sustainability and how traditional fishing communities are staying afloat in an increasingly corporatized global fishing industry.
Screening Date (Second Screening): Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 6:30 pm- Galaxy Theater 6 with a Q & A to follow the screening. Runtime: 77 Minutes
Editors: Jonathan Grubbs, Austin Reedy
Composer: Curtis Heath
Source: Austin Film Festival
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