LBI and mainland communities star in 'Landfall,' a documentary film on Superstorm Sandy

It’s what we’ve all been waiting for: Long Beach Island and Stafford Township will take the spotlight at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences on Sunday, June 16, at 3 and 6 p.m. during the world premiere of “Landfall: The Eyes of Sandy.” The film, produced by A.D. Pictures and sponsored by local apparel company Jetty, features the resurgence of the LBI communities and mainland, following in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Wine and cheese, as well as auction items will be available.

Photo by Jack Reynolds
"Landfall" Director Andrew Pearson shoots a
panoramic view of LBI residents who showed
up to be part of the documentary's final scene.

“‘Landfall’ captures the roller coaster of emotions that families,first responders, business owners and nonprofits experienced post-Sandy through the eyes of the individuals who were deeply affected,” the film’s press release states. “With no blueprint for a disaster of this magnitude, ‘Landfall’ pieces one together based on the uniting of people and organizations who are fighting to salvage a summer season in 2013 – one that identifies their livelihoods in a tourism-dependent region.”

The idea for the film came when Director Andrew Pearson of New Brunswick and Producer Corinne Ruff of Surf City crossed paths due to a candlelight vigil scheduled to take place in December at the Barnegat Lighthouse. The event was canceled because of inclement weather, but a documentary film was born in its place.

“From the initial meeting, the forces and factors that came together formed the perfect storm between Pearson and I,” said Ruff. “Our energy and vision gained momentum with a shared goal to capture the voices of hope and despair, creating an uplifting and positive dynamic throughout the course of the film.”

Pearson has been called “one of the leaders in the new generation of documentary filmmakers.” He has worked on projects for Sony Pictures Classics, DreamWorks, Gov. Chris Christie, PBS and a variety of other corporate clients across North America and Europe. Pearson has showcased his work in venues such as Tribeca Cinemas and the IFC Center in New York City, as well as The Discovery Network and the NBC Sports Network.

With “Landfall,” Pearson has returned to his home state to document the homegrown relief effort amidst a monumental reconstruction of the Jersey Shore.

All proceeds from the film will benefit the Jetty Rock Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization created with the goal of continuing to aid families, first responders, businesses and nonprofits with long-term needs in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

Additional screenings will be held at Surflight Theatre on Friday, June 28, and Wednesday, July 3. Tickets to all screenings cost $20. Tickets are available online at jettylife.com. They may also be purchased at the LBIF, located at 120 Long Beach Blvd. in Loveladies. Dial 609-494-1241.

For more information, visit landfallfilm.com.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.