The Waldo presents the Midcoast screening of the Water Women Film Fest curated by Julia Dunlavey and presented by Waterstuck Wellness.

During this program, you'll journey from Maine's winter waters to the remote islands of South Korea, meeting remarkable women who have found strength, healing, and community through their connection to the ocean or the river.

Every film included was directed by women, many with deep ties to Maine, offering unique perspectives on what it means to be a woman in, on, and near the water.

Total runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes

TAKE ME TO THE OCEAN, dir. Elena Mozzhelina, 16 minutes

Featuring our own local dippers, the documentary captures the healing power of cold water dipping in Portland.

THE DIVER, dir. Mailee Osten-Tan, 10 minutes

For Rochelle, diving into the ocean is like entering another world: a world where she feels safe. Made in Portland by a MECA Salt Institute for Documentary Studies student, the film is about a young woman coming to terms with her past by redefining the marks on her skin. Contains mentions of self-harm.

WE ARE LIKE WAVES, dir. Jordyn Romero, 12 minutes

Along the South Coast of Sri Lanka, surfing is everywhere, but the ocean is not seen as a place for women. Like most girls, Sanu grew up with the expectation that she would become a wife and mother. But after joining a local surfing group for young women, she questions her future.

SKIN SWIMMER, dir. Hannah Walsh, 7 minutes

On a cold, winter Vancouver morning, Roberta heads for the ocean to dive into the frigid waters of the Salish Sea, training for one of the most challenging feats in action sports; an ice mile in three degree water.

CHICAS AL AGUA, dir. Liz McGregor, 18 minutes

You can count the number of female kayakers in Futaleufú, Chile on one hand... and they want to change that. After many floating conversations, a committed group of women from around the globe hatched the idea to create a kayak course for local teenage girls.

DAUGHTER OF THE SEA, dir. Nicole Gormley & Nancy Kwon, 18 minutes

Returning to her childhood home on the remote island of Marado, South Korea, Jaeyoun finds peace with her family of “haenyeo,” female freedivers who make their living harvesting what the sea has to offer.

SWIMMING THROUGH, dir. Samantha Sanders, 15 minutes

With winter quickly approaching in Chicago, three women forge a friendship by swimming daily at sunrise through the winter in Lake Michigan to cope with the pandemic.

The Water Women Film Fest is being presented by Waterstuck Wellness.

Many thanks to our supporting sponsor Cedar Grove Sauna.