AWARD WINNING WILDERNESS EXPEDITION FILM | 'BIG LAND' | Brook Trout Fishing In The Heart Of Labrador

4 friends embark on the adventure of a lifetime in search of a wildness seldom found in the urban sprawl of the Anthropocene. In an effort to better understand America’s first sport fish, and the eastern seaboard’s only native trout, filmmakers Chase and Aimee Bartee lead a canoe expedition into North America’s last great and unexplored frontier; Labrador. There’s only one problem, they’ve never even paddled a canoe before.

Driven by a 15 year old rumor of an untouched and forgotten Brook Trout nirvana, Chase and Aimee, accompanied by Chris Sinclair, a Nova Scotian fishing guide and Dylan Markey, a registered Maine whitewater guide journey into the unknown. Injuries, bear encounters, hordes of bloodthirsty insects and dangerous weather force the team to adapt quickly to their new sub arctic home, or risk returning empty handed. With the fish proving to be as elusive and fleeting as the dancing Aurora above them, the crew soon discovers that their experiences on the Labrador tundra are bigger than any one fish, person, or adventure. They find themselves journeying through culture and time, trading in the shackles of the modern world for a life lived more deliberately, aligned with the rhythms of the river.

GEAR USED

[TightLoops]

*If you'd like to support us by buying an ad free version of this film, you can do it here:* vimeo.com/ondemand/bigland

[saginawdan]

When I was a young lad, this was my fantasy. Now I'm an old man and it's just a dream I once had. You have given me the great pleasure of seeing that it's real. A huge thank you from an old Brook Trout fisherman in Northern Minnesota. 🌲❤🌲

[gregmillert]

I am 70 years old. When I was in my early 60s I did a two + week trip on the DePas River, a tributary of the George, out of Schefferville. Your film beautifully captured not only the magnificent scenery and raw ruggedness of the land, but also the feeling of awe that I experienced, and you experienced, in such beautiful country. I will go back to that part of the world someday just to experience that awe. My thanks to you.

[blancheb]

I was looking to trash and hate comment fly fishing because I couldn't understand why my boyfriend loves it so much. I ended up crying seeing this film. Thank you for making this beautiful, adventurous film. I probably still can't do fly fishing, I am not just into it and scared of many adventurous things but at least now I understand the feeling of being addicted to it, the nature and the experiences.

[tanner]

From a Newfoundlander, truly, thank you. Thank you for displaying it so well while being extremely respectful of the land, and hitting the nail on the head in the last segment on land use and abuse. Great film - I’ll be sure to share it.

[brucejordan]

I had the indescribable gift of several trips to The Big Land in the 1970's, including a year and a half of teaching a summer of commercial char fishing with Inuit friends in northern Labrador, and a month long kayak expedition there as well. Your beautiful film brings it all back to me in a way that is profound, but beyond expression! Thank you so very much! You are gifted film makers. More, please!

[Fishing]

Two thumbs way up! Thanks for making this, I can tell you guys poured your hearts into it.

[billsherk]

I work in film industry as a painter and I know what it takes to put out quality work. I am amazed at what you do with such a small crew. Can’t wait for the next one. Tight lines

[WildeFische]

I'm so greatful you got to live such an unfathomable experience! Thanks for letting up all be a part of it by sharing this masterpiece.

[MrTIMpersonGUY]

I can’t believe how much this short film exceeded my expectations, what a joy to watch, and what amazing footage. Seriously thank you for sharing this

[LostLakes]

When you see something so stupidly beautiful, like a starry night or the love of your life, it almost hurts. That's what your films do to me. You guys have a rare gift and I hope you continue to use it for the rest of your lives. No crew or amount of money could've executed this better. You're already masters and soon to be film Jedis. Absolutely exceptional, exceptional, *exceptional.*
P.S. That blue halo at 32:32 was brilliantly superimposed.

[cspark]

I can't believe content this good is sitting here, for free, just waiting to be discovered by the mass of outdoor enthusiasts. Cinematography, post production, editing, storyline and narration all working together to make this more than the sum of it's parts. (And the soundtrack is stand alone fantastic!) Clearly the creative mind behind this has a gift. I hope that Tight Loops becomes the Warren Miller of my generation.

[DBWELDER]

For me as an avid sportsman/outdoorsman/fly fisher you captured the 2 best elements of flyfishing. 1) The take, the magical moment when the fish shows it's self and eats the fly. 2) The water, every stream, river, lake has its own personality and beauty. Keep up the good work!

[TheSkiffWanderer]

One of my favorite films! I've lost track of how many times I've watched this!

[nolanbrahosky]

i’ve watched this countless times but i’d like to come back and say i’m confident this video has changed my life for the better, thank you aimee and chase

[MissionaryInMexico]

Growing up within spitting distance of the Canadian border on an enormous farm my parents worked their asses off to keep for us... This film brings a certain amount of joy, knowing that something like this place existed in my childhood and I got to enjoy it, fishing rod in hand from age 6. Well done, beautiful imagery and soul-stirring music. 👍

[amwaj]

I cant get my head around how there are 20 dislikes... This is a masterpiece.

[jwright]

X, Y, Millenials, etc. emerging from their parent's basement clad in typical soiled skivvies is truly an anomaly. Embarking upon an epic adventure trumping even the most courageous and adventurous is nothing less than epic. You Guys Rock! 26:04 in and I'm beginning to reestablish hope for the destiny of mankind.

[colbanjo]

Thank you guys for this great film, , absolutely mesmerizing, , i didn't want to blink, , eyes glued, , what a beautiful native fish and wild country.

[jamesthompson]

I’m so glad to have grown up in Maine and caught Maine native brookies. Nothing fights harder than a true native.