The Memory of Fish

The Memory of Fish is a documentary film from 2016 that tells the story of one man's mission to bring back the wild salmon population to his native river. The film is directed by Jennifer Galvin and co-directed by Sachi Cunningham, and features Lili Taylor.

The documentary focuses on the life and work of Dick Goin, a man who has spent his entire life fishing the Skagit River in Washington State. Dick begins to notice the decline in the wild salmon population and becomes determined to take action before it's too late. He decides to make a documentary about the issue and starts to document the changes he sees in the river and surrounding environment.

Throughout the film, we see how Dick's passion for the Skagit River and its wildlife has shaped his life. His love for fishing and nature is infectious, and it's clear that he has a deep connection to the river. We also learn about the history of the Skagit River and how it was once a thriving ecosystem for wild salmon, but has since been drastically impacted by human activities like damming and clear-cutting.

The documentary is not only a story of one man's passion for the environment, but it's also a call to action. The film highlights the importance of wild salmon to the ecosystem and shows how their decline can have devastating effects on wildlife and humans alike. It's a reminder that we are all connected to the environment, and it's our responsibility to take care of it.

Throughout the film, we see how Dick's project progresses. He enlists the help of experts, such as marine biologists and environmentalists, to learn about the issues affecting the wild salmon population and to come up with solutions. He also talks to other fishermen and tribal leaders to hear their perspectives on the issue.

The documentary is shot beautifully, with stunning shots of the Skagit River and surrounding landscape. The film is also informative, presenting facts and information in a way that is easy to understand and compelling.

One of the strengths of The Memory of Fish is that it presents a complex environmental issue in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The documentary doesn't shy away from the difficult questions, but rather presents the issue in a way that is easy to understand and digest.

Lili Taylor's narration ties the film together nicely. Her voice is soothing and adds depth to the documentary. Overall, The Memory of Fish is a compelling and important documentary that highlights the importance of preserving our natural resources. It's a call to action for all of us to take responsibility for our environment and to do what we can to help protect it.