Downeast

The Stinson sardine cannery in Gouldsboro, Maine shut down production, leaving hundreds of lifelong factory employees jobless. When entrepreneur Antonio Bussone introduces plans to convert the cannery into a state-of-the-art lobster processing plant, a few obstinate and suspicious fishermen attempt to block him from receiving necessary federal funds. Antonio's plan would put the laid off employees back to work, and would create a local alternative to the Canadian processing plants the lobstermen ship their product to. If the state of Maine claims it's "Open For Business" why is opening a business such a challenge? Shining a light on a tireless work ethic from an aging labour force, the persistence of an independent businessman and the bureaucratic red tape of the federal grant system, Downeast is a poignant and gripping look at the complex task of creating new jobs in America. (KinoSmith)