SANIBEL started as an exploration of the people and businesses central to seashell culture in Southwest Florida. Six weeks into production, Hurricane Ian, one of the largest hurricanes in US history, all but wiped Sanibel Island off the map.
As the waters receded, the crew returned to find a transformed landscape and a compelling narrative. What was once a lighthearted film now posed a deeper question: would the community's love for shells and the coastline endure the overwhelming burden of grief, or would it find a way to heal and rebuild?
Directed by Jamie Winterstern, known for "Supercell" on Hulu, "Sanibel" is a feature documentary that premiered at the Naples Florida International Film Festival in October 2024, where it won the award for Best Florida Film.
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