The Great Friends Meeting House lawn transformed into an outdoor cinema on Thursday evening as newportFILM Outdoors launched its milestone 15th season with a captivating screening of “The Last Dive,” drawing film enthusiasts and community members together for an evening of compelling storytelling under the summer sky.
The 2025 season opened on June 26 with the Tribeca award-winning film THE LAST DIVE, an emotional portrait of a diver’s deep connection with a manta ray. Director Cody Sheehy was in attendance for the special opening night, participating in a pre-screening conversation with Variety’s Executive Editor Brent Lang that offered audiences insight into the making of this visually stunning documentary.
The film, which recently premiered in competition at Tribeca Festival and won Best Cinematography in Documentary Feature, tells the extraordinary story of Terry, a legendary American veteran living in Baja Mexico whose life was transformed by an unlikely friendship with Willy, a 22-foot oceanic manta ray. For nearly two decades, Willy would signal their diving adventures by slapping his wings against Terry’s sailboat hull, creating an extraordinary bond that turned Terry into an unexpected conservationist.
Now in his 80s, Terry embarks on one final journey to reunite with his old friend while searching for peace, closure, and a chance to say goodbye. The documentary, produced by acclaimed filmmaker Mark Monroe, invites viewers to reflect on our connection to the natural world and the mysterious creatures that help define our place within it.
newportFILM Artistic Director Andrea van Beueren was among the notable attendees celebrating the season opener, joined by filmmaker Satya Sullivan and New York Times journalist Penelope Green. The evening’s atmosphere captured the essence of what makes newportFILM Outdoors special – the combination of award-winning cinema with Newport’s iconic outdoor venues creating a premier destination for filmmakers on the international documentary circuit.
Looking Ahead: ‘Girl Climber’ Takes Center Stage
The series continues next Thursday, July 3rd, at Fort Adams with “Girl Climber,” featuring professional climber Emily Harrington’s career-defining attempt at a 24-hour ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan. The evening will include live music by Indira at 7:00 PM, followed by a pre-film conversation at 8:00 PM with Emily Harrington herself, along with climber Adrian Ballinger and Kelton McMahon, a climber and Professor of Oceanography.
“Girl Climber” presents an intimate portrait of Harrington’s greatest challenge – cementing her legacy in the male-dominated world of elite rock climbing. The documentary follows her journey as she balances personal ambition with life’s ticking biological clock, culminating in a near-fatal fall that forces her to reckon with what she’s willing to risk. The film demonstrates that in Yosemite’s legendary climbing community, Harrington isn’t just proving she’s the best girl climber – she’s proving she’s one of the best, period.
Fort Adams will offer a full evening experience with food vendors including Bottega Bocconi, Boru, Hometown Poke, Wiener Wagon, Sweet B’s Donuts, and Big Feeling. The venue is dog-friendly with onsite parking and bike racks available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic supplies, chairs, and blankets. In case of rain, screenings will move to the Casino Theatre at 10 Freebody Street.
The suggested donation is $10 per person, with venue doors opening at 6:00 PM and the film starting at 8:40 PM. Those interested can find more information and express their interest through newportFILM’s website.
A Season of Distinction
This year’s lineup represents a standout collection of award-winning documentaries and special guests, featuring films from A24, HBO Documentary Films, Jolt, and Tribeca Films. The series continues its mission of celebrating storytelling that connects communities and inspires change, set against the backdrop of Newport’s most iconic outdoor venues.
As newportFILM Outdoors marks its 15th summer season, it continues to serve as a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking to bring communities together while showcasing some of the most compelling stories being told today. With its unique blend of award-winning cinema and Newport’s stunning outdoor settings, the series remains an essential summer destination for film lovers and community members alike.
Visit https://newportfilm.com/ for the full schedule of events and more information.