In Peter Matthiessen’s 1975 classic “Far Tortuga,” nine subsistence fishermen sign onto a voyage to harvest sea turtles off the Central American coast. In their struggle with an abusive captain, violent rivals, overfished waters, and their own fears of turtling’s spiritual consequences, all fail to notice that something is hunting them. The novel is a visceral, mythic dive into cultural perspectives on fear and belief, set in a wilderness that is rarely depicted with authenticity on-screen.
Casting locally around the Caribbean and abroad for actors of Caribbean descent, filmmaker Jack Evans (protégé of the writer Cormac McCarthy) is aiming to amplify regional voices and introduce new connections in the film industry to local crew. In addition, the film is being written and directed with the editorial oversight of local collaborators and the descendants of the real-life fishermen who inspired Peter’s creation of the novel’s characters.
On Sunday, October 8, filmmaker Jack Evans will formally announce a film adaptation of the novel and present a trailer for the film at The Church in Sag Harbor. The evening will also feature live performances by the actors of “Far Tortuga,” who will read excerpts from the script, a talk on the anthropological value of the book and film, and a Q&A for attendees. A reception featuring local wine and hors d’oeuvres will follow in the main gallery.
Tickets are free for members of The Church and $10 for non-members.