The Fisherman

"The Fisherman" follows a college student’s attempt to process the loss of his grandfather through fishing.

  • Sienna Petersen
    Director
  • Josh Chapp
    Director
  • Elizabeth Trupiano
    Writer
  • Josh Chapp
    Writer
  • Josh Chapp
    Producer
  • Venus Yeung
    Producer
  • MJ Johnson
    Producer
  • Atticus Olivet
    Key Cast
    "James"
  • Stefania Gonzalez
    Key Cast
    "Jean"
  • Alyssa Melani
    Key Cast
    "Lily"
  • Cristopher Chadwick Marge
    Key Cast
    "Peter"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 13 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 17, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    950 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    17:9 braw
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Michigan
  • Sparking Creation: Young Filmmakers' Showcase
    New York City
    United States
    August 10, 2023
    Sparking Creation: Young Filmmakers' Showcase at the Museum of The Moving Image
  • Independent Shorts Awards

    Platinum Award: Best Original Score
  • Independent Shorts Awards

    Independent Shorts Awards Official Selection
Director Biography - Sienna Petersen, Josh Chapp

Sienna Petersen is an award-winning director and producer with over 30 credits ranging from short films to feature length movies. From sketch comedy to horror, Sienna has a passion for bringing meaningful stories to the big screen. She holds a degree from the University of Michigan in both film and cognitive neuroscience. Sienna believes viewing filmmaking with a psychological lens allows her to better understand how to tell a story in someone else’s shoes.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"The Fisherman" is a meditative exploration of grief. Serving neither as a beginning or end, the story explores the importance of closure and taking initiative in valued relationships. The film is an ode to Chapp's late grandfather, who's passion for fishing, the outdoors, and Michigan's pristine bodies of water inspired the narrative. -Josh Chapp