Imagine being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of the night sailing alone, on a self-made boat.
Imagine that boat struck and damaged by a whale, causing it to sink in a matter of minutes, barely enough time to gather up limited food and survival gear and scramble into a small life raft.
Imagine trying to survive, alone at sea, for the next 76 days.
Though unimaginable and terrifying, the story actually happened on Feb. 4, 1982.
It was the subject of a 1986 New York Times best-selling novel by Steven Callahan that has now become a riveting documentary film, “76 Days Adrift,” being shown from Dec. 4-11 at the Parkway Theater, 644 Broadway Ave. in Stowe Township.
The movie recreates Callahan’s harrowing 76 days at sea and his incredible story of survival on a journey to England, on an attempt to fulfill a lifelong dream. There were numerous challenges. Fish, attracted by the barnacles that attached themselves to the bottom of his inflatable raft, became his source of food. A jerry-rigged contraption collected precious rainwater that he could drink. A makeshift sextant, fashioned from a couple of pencils, allowed him to navigate. He used whatever was at hand to keep the raft afloat and stay alive, against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Bringing the story to the big screen was the brainchild of entrepreneur, investor and producer Robert Sennott, who knew Callahan since childhood. “I’ve known him for more than 50 years,” Sennott said. “We ran track together in Massachusetts.”
Following the book’s publication, Sennott watched his friend’s appearance as a guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” His experience captured the nation’s imagination.
With the help of director Joe Wein, Sennott set about to tell the story in a documentary film that would be shot on location in St. Croix,over the course of 17 days. It would be told from Callahan’s point of view, using Callahan’s own words, gleaned from 25 hours of recorded interviews.
To tell the story through Callahan’s eyes, Wein used a chest-mounted camera to shoot in the tight quarters of the tiny raft. Underwater cameras and drones were also utilized.
Care was taken to use the original artifacts and gear from the actual event. The movie incorporates found 8mm footage and photographs. Callahan himself was present during the filming to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
The executive producer of “76 Days Adrift” was Ang Lee, who heard about Callahan’s adventure and brought him aboard as an adviser for the filming of “The Life of Pi” (also a story about a man being stranded at sea in a lifeboat that he appeared to share with a tiger).
Other credits for “76 Days Adrift” include a musical score composed by Patrick Stump, lead vocalist and guitarist from the rock band Fall Out Boy, and performed by the Royal Scottish Orchestra.
The movie earned critical acclaim at the DOC NYC Film Festival, being ranked the No. 1 Most Popular Film in the festival’s list of over 200 films.
It is currently on track for Oscar nomination consideration.
The movie dives deeply into Callahan’s story of resilience and determination, probing the psychological element of his tale and illuminating his philosophical take on survival, existence and his place in the universe as he stared each night into a spectacular star-filled sky that can only be seen in the absence of artificial light.
Callahan credits his life’s mentors and teachers for providing the life lessons that helped him “live like an aquatic caveman” and overcome the obstacles he faced.
For a brief time, he was a tiny, floating, self-sustaining ecosystem in a vast ocean. He proclaimed himself the mayor of the sea creatures who accompanied him on his journey.
“What I love about this film the most is the audience reactions,” Sennott said. “It just really uplifts and inspires people when you see this movie. You can’t help but be inspired by Steve’s survival story.”
Unlike many documentary films, “76 Days Adrift” isn’t a movie that you simply watch. It is a first-person cinematic experience you witness firsthand, through the eyes of a real-life survivor and hero.
“This movie is good to see in a big audience,” Sennott said. “The more the merrier because it forms a community. Everyone laughs together, and in some cases, cries together.”
Be First to Comment