“Here’s a toast: That we may learn the connection between land and water.” That’s the last line in Surf and Turf, a Chesapeake Bay Watershed Story, a short documentary showing that what we do here in the Shenandoah Valley, how we farm, profoundly and inextricably affects the water leaving our land and the waters of the Chesapeake Bay—over three hundred water miles downstream.
That connection is what the movie is all about.
Nicole Knott, Jeanne Hoffman, Bobby Whitescarver, and Dan Knott celebrate a surf and turf meal with a toast. Screenshot from the movie
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Surf and Turf was an Official Selection for the 2025 Wild and Scenic Film Festival and is showing in theaters across the country. The festival selects films that inspire environmental activism and a love for nature.
Watch the movie on YouTube.
Whiskey Creek Regenerative Farming was featured in the film, as was Hold Fast, a nonprofit organization founded by waterman Daniel Knott that helps prevent suicide among combat veterans by taking them out on workboats in the Chesapeake Bay.
The Land and Water Connection
The Wild and Scenic website describes the movie this way: “A celebration of the connection between land and water, ‘Surf and Turf’ embarks on a captivating journey from the inland mountains and headwater streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed to the wide-open, salty expanse of the Bay itself. This powerful environmental tale weaves together the healing power of nature, hope, and an unexpected alliance, showing us how two seemingly different worlds can unite for a shared cause. Discover how we can all find a way to sit at the same table, share our stories, and strive together for clean air, clean water, and a brighter future.”
Kudos to the film’s director Eric Braker and producer Adam Miller–and for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay for funding its production.
Eric Braker with his drone, Jeanne, and Adam Miller during the filming of Surf and Turf, May 2023.
Sold-Out at the Visulite in Staunton
The film was recently aired in our hometown, Staunton, Virginia, to a sold-out crowd at the Visulite theatre to raise money for the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Donate here.
Kate Wofford, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley addresses the sold-out audience for the showing of the movie. Photo credit Maya Alexander
Kate Fritz, CEO for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Jeanne Hoffman, Bobby Whitescarver, and Kate Wofford, ED for the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley at the Visulite Theatre in Staunton, VA. Photo credit Maya Alexander
To learn more about how your land affects the water in your local stream and in the Chesapeake Bay contact me or your local Soil and Water Conservation District.
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