Giving the Bay a Voice
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DRIFT Film

Save Barnegat Bay’s 50th anniversary Presents DRIFT

Created in celebration of Save Barnegat Bay’s 50th anniversary, we are thrilled to present DRIFT—a documentary that captures the heart of Barnegat Bay through the voices and stories of those who call it home. This powerful film was produced with Monmouth University Production Services and was directed by Erin Fleming, it’s incredible story takes viewers on a journey through the complex challenges and awe inspiring beauty of Barnegat Bay. Winner of the Indie Street Film Festival’s Audience Choice Award, and an official selection at both the Princeton Environmental Film Festival and the Colorado Environmental Film Festival, DRIFT brings to life over 50 years of dedication to this vital ecosystem.

DRIFT is a love letter to the watershed, told through vignettes that highlight the cultural, natural, and economic significance of Barnegat Bay. From personal stories to scientific insights, the film showcases a diversity of perspectives, inviting viewers to experience the bay as a dynamic and cherished resource worth protecting.

Inspiring the Next Generation
This beautiful piece of art isn’t just a film—it’s a call to action. We hope DRIFT will inspire and engage both residents and visitors in the mission to preserve Barnegat Bay for future generations. Every story woven into the film drives us to work harder, do more, and protect the bay that is our shared home.

Join Us in Celebrating Barnegat Bay
Drift along the 42 miles of New Jersey’s largest body of water. Discover its beauty, explore the complex issues it faces, and meet the dedicated individuals fighting to keep it healthy for future generations.

Request a Screening
Request a Screening Here
We’re now scheduling screenings for local groups, clubs, and organizations. For more information, or to request a screening, please click the link above or contact us at assistant@savebarnegatbay.org.

DRIFT Screenings FAQ

Who can request a screening?
Screenings are available to community groups, organizations, and clubs. Whether you’re part of a yacht club, school, homeowner’s association, or community group, we’d love to share DRIFT with your audience.

Event Accommodations
Our in-house equipment setup—suitable for up to 60 people—includes a projector, screen, speaker, and laptop. For larger audiences, we can coordinate a more robust AV setup; just let us know in advance!

Film Details

  • Length: 1 hour, 10 minutes
  • Segments: Five, each highlighting different aspects of the bay’s story:
    • The Beat Goes On: Cultural heritage of Beaton’s Boatyard and Superstorm Sandy’s impact.
    • The Tale of Two Creeks: The contrasts between pristine Cedar Creek and damaged Toms River watersheds.
    • The Sting: Featuring Dr. Paul Bologna on the jellyfish problem in Barnegat Bay.
    • Deep Into the Shallow: Female environmental leaders discuss overdevelopment, wetlands, and flooding.
    • The Godfather: Celebrating Pete McLain, a pioneer of local conservation efforts.

Time Constraints?
While we recommend the full film experience, groups may choose to show selected segments.

Audience Suitability
This film is suitable for all ages and backgrounds, offering something valuable to everyone from local residents to environmental advocates.

Can I watch the film online?
Yes! DRIFT is available on our YouTube playlist in five segments. For the full experience (including Q&A with speakers), we recommend attending or hosting a community screening.

Indoor and Outdoor Screenings
DRIFT can be shown indoors or outdoors. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll accommodate.

Screening Cost
Hosting a DRIFT screening is typically free. For very large events that require professional AV support, we may discuss a shared-cost arrangement, but our goal is accessibility for everyone.

We’re excited to bring DRIFT to communities across the state. Join us in experiencing the story of Barnegat Bay. Together, we can protect this treasure for generations to come.

Alexandra Sellitsch

Alex is 27 years old and is an aspiring marine biologist who is finishing up her junior year at Stockton University. Growing up by the beach has made a significant impact on Alex’s life, which has influenced her passion for the ocean. She is an advocate for elasmobranch conservation, and enjoys getting her hands dirty in research. Alex is currently an intern with Barnegat Bay, researching pathogen influences in the bay’s water. She is also an active intern partnering with one of her professors, who is researching dual seagrass habitats in the Mullica River-Great Bay Estuary. In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time at the beach and teaching herserself new hobbies. Hobbies that include roller skating, and surfing. Alex is also volunteering with the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue Team, and is in the process of obtaining her SCUBA certification.