In the middle of the Chesapeake Bay lies one of America's most isolated communities. Accessible only by boat or small plane, Tangier Island has been home to generations of watermen and their families whose lives have long been shaped by the rhythms of the water. Today, as erosion steadily reshapes the island and uncertainty grows about its future, the community finds itself at a crossroads.  

Filmed over several years, Been Here Stay Here offers an intimate portrait of a place often spoken about but rarely heard on its own terms. Through the lives of watermen, families and local leaders, the film invites audiences into a community navigating change with resilience, faith and a deep connection to place. In doing so, it opens the door to broader conversations about stewardship, belonging and the future of communities facing environmental and cultural change.

IMPACT TO DATE

• More than 7,500 tickets sold through self-distributed theatrical screenings
  Over $70,000 in box office revenue

• Extended theatrical runs in New York and Los Angeles

• Homecoming screenings on Tangier Island attended by more than 400 residents and visitors

• Educational distribution partnership with Grasshopper Film

• Screenings and partnerships with environmental organizations, faith communities, universities and civic leaders

• Winner, Best Documentary — Virginia Film Festival

• Winner, Best Documentary Director — Richmond International Film Festival
  

THE OPPORTUNITY

The film has proven it can reach audiences. The next phase is to use it as a catalyst for meaningful conversations around stewardship, resilience, community and our relationship to place.

The Been Here Stay Here Impact Campaign will support:

• Community screenings across the Chesapeake Bay region and beyond 

• Educational outreach to schools, colleges and universities

• Faith and creation care engagement

• Coastal community partnerships

• Public discussions bringing together residents, scientists, educators, faith leaders and policymakers
  

CAMPAIGN GOAL: $250,000

Funding will support screening events, educational resources, audience engagement, outreach, partnership development and campaign coordination.

PRESENTING PARTNER— $25,000+

A gift at this level helps bring the film directly into communities where it can spark meaningful conversations around stewardship, resilience and the future of place-based communities.  

• Supports a regional series of screenings and community discussions 

• Helps convene residents, scientists, educators, faith leaders and policymakers around shared challenges and opportunities 

• Recognition on campaign materials and website
  

COMMUNITY IMPACT PARTNER — $10,000

A gift at this level helps extend the reach of the film and strengthen engagement efforts.  

• Supports community screenings and audience outreach 

• Helps develop partnerships with local organizations and institutions 

• Contributes to the long-term impact and accessibility of the project
  

EDUCATION & OUTREACH PARTNER — $5,000

Every contribution helps ensure that the story of Tangier Island continues to reach new audiences and inspire thoughtful conversation.  

• Supports ongoing outreach and engagement efforts 

• Helps connect the film with communities across the Chesapeake Bay region and beyond

• Demonstrates a shared commitment to storytelling, dialogue and stewardship

FRIEND OF THE CAMPAIGN – $2,500

A gift at this level helps extend the reach of the film and strengthen engagement efforts.  

• Supports community screenings and audience outreach 

• Helps develop partnerships with local organizations and institutions 

• Contributes to the long-term impact and accessibility of the project

WHY SUPPORT THIS WORK?

At a time when many of the issues facing our communities have become increasingly polarized, meaningful dialogue can feel harder than ever to achieve. Yet the challenges confronting places like Tangier Island are not only environmental—they are also deeply human, touching questions of home, identity, livelihood, faith and belonging. Storytelling has a unique ability to cut through division by creating understanding where debate often cannot.  

Been Here Stay Here has demonstrated an unusual ability to bring together audiences who do not often find themselves in the same room: environmental advocates, faith communities, coastal residents, educators, policymakers and documentary audiences. By meeting people through story rather than ideology, the film creates opportunities for conversations rooted in empathy, curiosity and shared values. The impact campaign seeks to build on that momentum, using the film as a catalyst for dialogue, connection and civic engagement in communities across the country.

To learn more about partnership opportunities, please contact:

David Usui
david@lostfoundfilms.com