At Graveyard Point, the line between work and passion blurs. Each year, over 120 fishermen from all walks of life venture to this abandoned 1920s cannery on Alaska’s rugged shores, driven by one shared goal: to harvest the world’s most prized wild sockeye salmon.
"Graveyard” immerses viewers in a world where the spirit of the Wild West endures, revealing the challenges faced by fishermen. Some are drawn by adventure, while others seek a livelihood, but all share an unbreakable bond with the sea. David Wright, a veteran set-netter, and his son Isaiah recount their stories of resilience, love for their craft, and the generational ties that keep them returning season after season.
Amid industry uncertainty, these fishermen hold fast to their way of life, guided by the motto, “The action is the juice.” They continue a tradition that transcends financial reward, driven by nature’s rhythms and the call of the sea. At Graveyard Point, around 120 fishermen from across North America embark on a journey to an abandoned 1920s cannery, loading their skiffs with nets, canned goods, and whiskey. They brave harsh conditions in pursuit of the world’s finest wild sockeye salmon.
Graveyard Point exudes a Wild West spirit, characterized by weathered wooden structures along the shoreline. Each set-netting operation occupies the remnants of the old cannery, with a central building serving as a gathering space for net mending and the coveted Graveyard ping pong tournament. Daily life revolves around the mantra “eat, sleep, fish.”
Filmed by Silas Karbo, “Graveyard” will debut on November 20th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the Main Stage screen. The past season in the Bristol Bay sockeye fishery was disheartening for many, as disappointment echoed in online forums. Fishermen now face the dilemma of their cherished lifestyle versus growing financial risks.
David Wright, a passionate fisherman from Louisville, Kentucky, embodies this struggle. For over 25 years, he has spent summers set-netting at Graveyard Point. “My first season cost me $1,500, and I made about $900 back,” he recalls with a laugh. Despite tight margins, David has established himself as a skilled captain. This year, he plans to leave teaching to pursue fishing full-time, intending to donate a portion of his profits to salmon conservation organizations.
Isaiah, who began fishing at 14, embraces the family legacy. “I thought he might do something conventional,” David jokes, “but he loves it—maybe even more than I do.” Now almost 21, Isaiah aims to advance the craft, believing that fishing alleviates stress and fosters personal growth. Both father and son understand that the challenges of fishing are inseparable from the experience itself, and they hope to ensure this enduring lifestyle continues for future generations.
