Posted in Coastal Tales News, News, UWTSD Hub News on Aug 07, 2026.
As part of the ongoing work of the Coastal TALES project, a new short film titled Yma O Hyd has officially been released. Developed as a key project output, the film offers a powerful message about the fragile waters and traditions we cannot afford to lose and a visual window into the realities, challenges, and resilience of coastal communities.
Traditional coracle and lave net fishing is a moving, breathing cultural practice handed down through generations, intimately tied to the rhythms of the water. Yet today, these ancient ways of life and the fragile river ecosystems that sustain them are facing unprecedented environmental pressures and urgently need support and protection.
From a Cross-Cultural Meeting to a Collaborative Vision
The journey of Yma O Hyd began in October 2025 during a meeting organised by project team members, which brought together netsmen from Wales and Alutiiq fishermen. During these exchanges, the indigenous fishermen proposed creating a film, noting that it provides an accessible way for audiences unfamiliar with the issues to truly see and understand what is happening on the ground.
The Welsh netsmen embraced the idea, sparking a collaborative process that spanned months. Over a six-month period, a storyline and storyboard were developed with collaborative input from the Coastal TALES team in Wales, including Gareth Thomas, Luci Attala, and Louise Steel, whose profound respect for the fishermen shaped every step, alongside the fishermen themselves, culminating in a final agreement in January 2026 before filming commenced.
An Authentic Production
The production process prioritised authenticity and respect for the participants' voices. Each group of fishermen was given one flexible full day of filming, allowing them to choose when it took place and discuss any topics they wished.
Project representatives were present but strictly adhered to an open framework where participants could express whatever they wanted. Flexibility defined the entire production schedule.
Commitment to the voice of the netsmen continued through post-production. The editing process included structured reviews: participants reviewed the film when it was half complete and again upon completion. Adjustments were made throughout to ensure the final product accurately reflected the views of the fishermen.
Believing in the project from the very start, a Swansea director and Welsh production company poured immense time and passion into the film, delivering a final piece whose quality far exceeded its modest resources, while capturing an authentic feel that honours real lived experience.
Immersing in the Alaskan Strand
Building on previous collaborative gatherings held in Dublin and Wales, the Coastal TALES teams met this week on Kodiak Island to immerse themselves in the Alaskan side of the project. This gathering provided a vital space to discuss project synergies, foster deeper connections, and drive synthesis across all three international research strands.
Premiere and Cultural Exchange
Yma O Hyd celebrated its first screening on Thursday 6th August 2026, at the Alutiiq Museum in Alaska, presented to Alutiiq fishers, Welsh netsmen, the Coastal TALES teams, and many of the individuals who inspired and were part of the project.
About Coastal TALES
Yma O Hyd is part of Coastal TALES, an initiative examining how stories can generate tangible action and offer creative inspiration for local communities adapting to social and ecological transformation.
Operating across three distinct coastal areas - Kodiak Island (Alaska), Dublin Bay (Ireland), and southwest Wales - Coastal TALES explores how diverse heritage stories drive action in education, policy, and nature-based innovations, empowering present voices and building resilience for future generations.
Watch the released film on YouTube
