Sanibel
2024, NR, US, Documentary, 65 minutes
World Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Florida Film
Director: Herbert James Winterstern
Producers: Herbert James Winterstern, Kevan Rayden, Adam Ganser
Writer: Herbert James Winterstern
Sanibel began as an offbeat comedy exploring the quirky, seashell-obsessed culture of Southwest Florida, setting out to highlight the region’s eccentric charm and passion for beach life. But six weeks into filming, Hurricane Ian — a Category 4 hurricane and one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history — devastated the region with high winds and a storm surge of 15 feet. As the waters receded, the crew returned to find a transformed landscape and story. What was once a lighthearted film now grappled with a deeper question: Would the island community’s love for shells and the coastline survive the weight of its overwhelming grief, or would it find a way to heal and rebuild.
