Experiencing Interruptions?

Kings of Gorst Creek

Kings of Gorst Creek is a documentary short that seeks to answer a question. Each summer as you drive along the waterfront between Orchard and Bremerton you see a string of floats bobbing in the waves, the tale tale sign of tribal gill nets filling with king salmon. TV news stations and local papers routinely cover the dwindling salmon populations and its effect on orca whales and other sea life. So, if salmon are on the decline, then why are there gill nets harvesting fish before they have a chance to spawn in Gorst Creek?

Interviews with Suquamish tribal fishermen, hatchery managers, recreational fishermen, and Kitsap Poggie Club volunteers will tell you why. Their interweaving answers inspired me to attend film school so I could share the Kings of Gorst Creek story.

  • Andrew Wright
    Director
  • Andrew Wright
    Producer
  • Kimmy Komrska
    Cinematographer
  • Jacquie Day
    Camera Operator
  • Bob Moore
    Sound Recordist
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 57 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 30, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Olympic College Film School
  • Washington Center of the Performing Arts
    Olympia
    United States
    May 19, 2023
    Festival Winner
  • Westsound Film Festival
    Bremerton
    United States
    August 6, 2023
    Best Documentary Short , Audience Award
  • Bainbridge Island Film Festival
    Bainbridge Island
    United States
    September 22, 2023
  • Gig Harbor Film Festival
    Gig Harbor
    United States
    September 23, 2023
  • Suquamish Foundation Treaty Talks 2024
    Suquamish, WA
    January 18, 2024
Director Biography - Andrew Wright

Andrew Wright is a local PNW filmmaker that grew up in Gorst, Washington. His interest in fishing and the outdoors was sparked during his first fishing trip with his grandpa. His chase for the illusive salmon led Andrew to join the Kitsap Poggie Club in 2017, where he later became President. His volunteer work with the Kitsap Poggie Club and the Suquamish Tribe unknowingly bridged a deep tribal vs nontribal divide that exists in the fishing community. He looks forward to working in documentary filmmaking to bridge this gap in other fishing conflicts. His film style seeks truth, is often upbeat, community based, and commercial in nature.

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Director Statement

Since 2018 I have been seeking answers to questions that I have had since age 13. Why are there gill nets in Sinclair Inlet? And who is behind it? How can they have totes full of fish, when I can't even get a bite?
This five year quest would lead me to volunteering each Sunday feeding 250 thousand coho salmon, and over 1.2 million king salmon, as well as assisting in the harvest of King, Coho, and Chum salmon each summer alongside the Suquamish Tribe. I also became President of the Kitsap Poggie Club, a community fishing club in Kitsap County. And as a result, I have answered my questions. Now I want to share what I have learned with you.