A recently completed documentary has taken the Bermudian public on a visual tour of the island’s rich nautical past. Produced by a local film crew in collaboration with the Bermuda Historical Society, the film traces the evolution of the island’s fleet from the 17th‑century merchant ships that first anchored in Hamilton Harbour to the modern fishing vessels that sustain today’s economy.
The 90‑minute feature, shot on location around St. George’s, St. David’s, and the historic Royal Navy base at Dockyard, combines archival footage, expert interviews, and on‑camera storytelling to illustrate key moments in Bermuda’s maritime history. Narration by former Royal Navy officer Lt. Cmdr. James “Jimmy” Thompson, who served in Bermuda during the Cold War, adds a personal touch to the film’s overview of naval strategy and the island’s strategic importance.
Screenings will begin this week at the Bermuda Film Festival, where the film is slated to compete for the “Historical Documentary” award. The festival’s organisers hope the film will attract both tourists and residents, offering a fresh perspective on Bermuda’s heritage that extends beyond the island’s famous beaches.
Local fishermen and historians have praised the project for its authentic portrayal of the fishing fleet’s cultural significance and the everyday lives of those who keep the sea a vital part of Bermuda’s identity.