CAFF Rating: All Audiences

Life in the fishing village of Buenasuerte, Philippines seems idyllic – and in many ways, it is. But dive a little deeper and you’ll discover a story of environmental hurdles, economic heartaches and government corruption – all set against a backdrop of culture, community and incredible innovation.

Director Statement from Tim Riedel:

Jackstones is a unique documentary. Our story is about the fisherfolk from the beautiful fishing town of Buenasuerte, in the heart of the Philippines. The film documents the fisherfolk's fight to re-invigorate their failing economy by revitalizing a rapidly dying coral reef.

The documentary was created using the inclusive filmmaking methodology where the story subjects were true collaborators in the telling of their own story. Thus, owning how they are represented in film.

With minimal Canadian involvement, the majority of the crew consisted of talented local filmmakers. The result is a breathtaking cinematic experience comprised of intimate moments between characters at a crossroads in their lives where the decisions made today will have implications that will last for generations.