The Farmer and the Shark

dir John Campopiano will here be in person for a live Q+A after the film

The Farmer and the Shark explores the extraordinary life of local Martha’s Vineyard legend, Craig Kingsbury, and his impact on the production of Steven Spielberg’s classic, Jaws.

The documentary focuses on the unique influence Kingsbury had on the film, from both behind and in front of the camera, as the embodiment of Robert Shaw’s iconic shark hunter, Quint. Along the way we also learn of the many Island locals whose ocean savvy and ingenuity were instrumental in transforming Jaws from a potential failure to the paradigm of the summer blockbuster. This fresh perspective on the Jaws story arrives just as the world is about to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this cinematic classic.

Through conversations with Craig Kingsbury’s family members and never-before-seen interviews with the many local and Hollywood tradesmen and artisans who worked on the film, including Production Designer Joe Alves, Cameraman Michael Chapman, Tom Joyner, Kevin Pike, Jonathan Filley, Jeffrey Kramer, The Farmer and the Shark weaves a fascinating tale of how Mr. Kingsbury was reluctantly recruited by the production to help transform Mr. Shaw – through his own language and mannerisms – from a distinguished Shakespearean actor into the gruff Downeast fisherman who serves as the unforgettable heart of the film.