The Gem Theater

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Show Time: 6:00PM
Doors: 5:00PM
Admission: Tickets $15, Youth (12 and under) $8
Location: The Gem Theater- 48 Cross St, Bethel, Maine 04217
Presented by: The Gem Theater
Program Notes: The film program will last about two hours, including a 10-minute intermission.

Screening Program*:

THE HUMAN SIDE OF PLASTIC: ABBY BARROWS | 18.43 minutes | by Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayers, Rush Sturges | from: United Kingdom | Short synopsis: On Deer Isle, Maine, home to one of the world’s most productive lobster ports, warming waters and invisible microplastic pollution threaten a centuries-old way of life. As veteran lobsterman Joel Billings and his daughter Hannah reckon with the possible end of their family’s tradition, neighbor and microplastics researcher Abby Barrows offers a vision for a more sustainable future through plastic-free aquaculture.
A LIFE ALOFT | 12.8 minutes | by Clayton Simoncic | from: Maine | Short synopsis: A portrait of Paul Stumpf, hot air balloon pilot and New England’s last balloon repairman, reflecting on a life lived aloft within a close-knit community of balloon builders and pilots.
KING’S FIELD | 14.43 minutes | by Joseph M Carter | from: Maine | Short synopsis: King had a problem — he couldn’t grow enough cannabis for his store.Matt had a solution.This film documents their partnership and one season of sun-grown cannabis in Maine
STEWARD·SHIP – A LOVE LETTER TO THE MAINE COAST | 8.1 minutes | by Luke Kaneb | from: Maine | Short synopsis: A young sailor navigates Maine’s rugged coastline aboard a wooden boat, discovering that the freedom to explore is inseparable from the responsibility to care for the places that make that life possible.

INTERMISSION

KENNEBEC RISING | 24.25 minutes | by Derek Dodge | from: United States | Short synopsis: “Kennebec Rising” traces the historic transformation of a vital Maine river and the powerful restoration efforts shaping its free flowing future.
SALT MARSH | 15.1 minutes | by Tom Bell | from: Maine | Short synopsis: With a haunting, original score by Lee Ranaldo, “Salt Marsh” explores art, climate, and solitude through the reflections of Maine artist Mitchell Rasor. The 15-minute documentary is a poetic portrait of an artist and place.
THE FIRST TRAVERSE | 7.2 minutes | by Chris Shane | from: New Hampshire | Short synopsis: The First Traverse is a short film reimagining the first female traverse of the Presidential mountain range in winter. It stars renowned New England environmentalist, writer, and mountaineer, Laura Waterman, and recounts her epic trek—what she saw, heard, and felt—along those 19 miles and 8,000 feet of New Hampshire granite and snow. Through interviews with Waterman, now in her ’80s, and present-day visuals recreating her traverse, The First Traverse pays homage to Laura’s work and efforts in exploring and protecting the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
OLD LADIES AGAINST UNDERWATER GARBAGE | 15 minutes | by Liz McGregor | from: Maine | Short synopsis: Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage follows Susan Baur, the 85-year-old leader, and her crew of fearless women as they defy limits, protect the environment, and rediscover wonder and joy through water and community. A reminder that adventure and activism know no age.