COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Local documentary making waves, drawing in big crowds locally and getting attention at film festivals

It’s a local film that just keeps growing.

We previously covered Netting the Waters, a documentary by Daryl Granger that highlights the experiences of fishermen in Port Dover as they venture out on Lake Erie.

Since then, this passion project has evolved into a beloved local phenomenon, drawing enthusiastic audiences to our local theatre.

Granger attends each screening, personally thanking the audience both before and after the film. Fortunately, he’s comfortable speaking in front of large crowds—a skill that’s been put to good use as every show continues to draw in a significant number of people.

An unexpected yet delightful result of the film’s success is that the fishermen and women featured in it are now becoming local celebrities in their own right.

While the film’s local popularity has been remarkable, Granger admits he never imagined it would resonate with audiences outside of Norfolk County.

He was wrong.

The documentary is now selling out screenings in Simcoe, premiering at theatres across Ontario, and earning critical acclaim as it garners recognition at multiple film festivals.

Since our last conversation with Granger, Netting the Waters has been named a finalist in the monthly Cannes World Film Festival.

Winners from these monthly festivals will go on to compete for nominations in the Best Feature Documentary category—a prestigious honor that could elevate the film even further.

Written by Matt LeBlanc