Sonoma Film Institute presents : ‘Fisherman’s Friends’

You could watch the third installment of a beloved superhero franchise that has witty dialogue, fast-paced action sequences and fan-favorite characters. Or you could watch a heartfelt, comedic story about a group of British fishermen who unexpectedly make the biggest-selling traditional folk album of all time.

The movie Fisherman’s Friends was shown on Friday, May 5 in Warren Auditorium and hosted by the Sonoma Film Institute.Around 9 individuals attended the screening, which allowed attendees to choose any seat they desired.. The film began right at 7 p.m. and ended at 8:40 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation fee but students are able to get in for free.

The Fisherman’s Friends is loosely based on the real-life story of the “Bouy” band who scored a top-ten single on the UK charts. The film adds more to the story by adding a rom-com element. The first half of the film focuses on a music manager Danny who’s trying to convince a group of ten fishermen who he stumbles upon during his vacation to let him manage them. After he goes fishing with them he earns their respect and they sign on to record an album. They are able to record an album and then try to find a record label that will distribute it.

The film was released in 2020 but because of COVID-19, it didn’t receive much attention. Thanks to the Sonoma Film Institute Seawolves and film enthusiasts had a chance to see it on a big screen in Warren Auditorium which had a movie theater feel to it. Frederick Harris, who is a 66-year-old Rohnert Park resident, was happy to talk to the STAR about what his thoughts were on the film and the Sonoma Film Institute’s program. Fred said, “It was a fun film. I enjoyed the sea shanties that were sung.” Harris who is a self-proclaimed movie buff also mentioned how much he enjoys being able to see movies on campus he said, “This program is so great it gives me a reason to get out of the house and see something that doesn’t usually get shown in real movie theaters.”

Without a doubt, some of the best scenes in the film included the parts when the sea shanties were being performed. Unfortunately, the romance element of the film did throw off the pacing and didn’t seem like it belonged in the film. Still by the end of the film those who attended the movie gave a small round of applause. The Fisherman’s Friend was a feel-good movie with a lot of heart that would be a breath of fresh air for anyone getting tired of superhero films. The Sonoma Film Institute hosted these screenings every week this semester, showing a different movie every Friday and Sunday. Unfortunately, the screening of Fisherman’s Friend was the last film that was scheduled to be shown this semester, which was the 50th anniversary season for the program.