Bayfield, Wis. (Jan. 9, 2026) – The Big Water Film Festival prides itself on showing films “as fresh as the water of Lake Superior,” and the 18 th annual Big Water is no exception, screening films shot in Ashland and on Madeline Island, as well as works from Peru, Iraq and India.
As in years past, the heart of the festival will take place Jan. 16-17 in Ashland, with films shown at Ashland’s Historic Bay Theater. But festival organizers are especially pleased to be expanding showings with a block of films kicking off the festival on Jan. 15 at the Honest Dog Books Outback Theater in Bayfield. Those who can’t attend in person have the option to view the entire film festival online for two weeks following the event.
“We received a grant from the Chequamegon Bay Arts Council which allowed us to broaden our reach,” said Big Water committee member Clair Morud. “This means more films for movie lovers.”
Julie Buckles, owner of Honest Dog Books, is excited to welcome the festival to Bayfield. “We have a screen and audio equipment, as well as seating for 80, making Honest Dog a great place to see movies,” she said.
One of the best parts of the Big Water Film Festival, say organizers, is the fact filmmakers as well as movie afficionados attend, allowing an opportunity for film buffs to talk with those in the industry, and it gives filmmakers a chance to connect with audiences.
One of the best venues for this connection is the 10 a.m. Cinema and Cinnamon Rolls filmmaker dialogue at the United Presbyterian Congregational Church, featuring Twin Cities director and screenwriter Patrick Coyle and Chicago filmmaker and actor Trey Sorensen, formerly of Ashland.
Sorensen’s film, “Wide Shot,” was shot in Ashland and will have its Ashland premier in the 1 p.m. Jan. 18 film block. Sorensen, an Ashland native, is looking forward to seeing Wide Shot “projected on the big screen that I grew up watching.”
Sorensen said he has been a film lover, watcher and critic and in his first film, he wanted to bring his own talents and vision to life. “Wide Shot” explores creativity while offering a clever homage to the Narcissus myth – following a young photographer as he endeavors to find fulfillment in a creative life. Sorensen said he’s grateful to have the opportunity to share his film with his Ashland friends and neighbors, some of whom are featured in “Wide Shot.”
Veteran filmmaker and Big Water Film Festival award winner Patrick Coyle returns to Big Water with his film, “Unholy Communion,” a movie adapted from a novel of the same title. “Unholy Communion,” his fourth feature film is a drama exploring the tragic consequences of sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic priests. “Unholy Communion” will screen Friday, Jan. 16 in the 7 p.m. film block.
Coyle said he was approached by “Unholy Communion” author Thomas Rumreich after Rumreich saw Coyle’s film “Into Temptation” and wanted Coyle to make his book into a film. Coyle read the book and ultimately wrote a screenplay based on the novel.
Coyle said the challenges of shooting a big story on a relatively small budget were myriad, including turning a street in St. Paul into a small town, and having to reset a pivotal scene when an untimely snowstorm hit their set. He is excited to be coming back to Ashland to be part of the filmmaker panel.
“Big Water Film Festival oozes charm,” he said. “The organizers are so smart and wonderful, and audience questions are so thoughtful. It’s a lively and challenging environment.”
He said being on Lake Superior is a magical experience in and of itself, noting last time he attended, members of his extended family from Nebraska came and “they still talk about it.”
Tickets for individual blocks ($10) or festival passes ($25) for both the online and virtual festivals can be purchased through the festival website www.bigwaterfilmfestival.org.
