Why This Film

Catch of the Day grew out of an inquiry I’ve long had about why we postpone life. It may seem a reasonable response to being deeply wounded, but what if the call is never out of earshot? I found this idea expressed so poignantly in the Fisherman Parable.

Most people hear the parable as a lesson about being content with less. I hear something different. The fisherman is already living what the businessman believes can only come after years of striving. The tragedy is not working hard or pursuing success. The tragedy is believing there’s a life waiting for us somewhere other than where we are.

As I wrote the character of Chris, I came to understand how this can occur – how a wound can make constant vigilance feel like the only responsible way to live. That’s not to say that her fears are unfounded. In fact, the sea was the perfect setting for the story because it can both break your heart and invite you at the same time.

My hope is that audiences leave Catch of the Day feeling more than just inspired. I hope they leave with a renewed sense that life offers no guarantees, only an invitation to participate. A call that’s always at hand – the catch of the day – here and now.