A woman swallows a pearl, and a subway car falls to the ocean floor. As a deluge bursts through the cracks of New York City, the city's inhabitants work together to carefully return oyster shells to the sea. The film features a chorus of characters, including farmers, diners, chefs, and activists, who explore the oyster's ecological role, mating habits, and historical presence. The oyster is depicted as a water filter, carbon capturer, and habitat maker, and its importance is woven into a larger narrative about New York City's sustainability and survival.
Holding Back the Tide
A poetic exploration of New York's oysters and their evolution amidst an uncertain future.
