(LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ) -- Lighthouse International Film Society will present a screening of the 2024 documentary Every Little Thing on Saturday, December 14th at the LBI Historical Museum. Directed by Sally Aitken, the filmdelivers an intimate and heartfelt exploration of the delicate interplay between humanity and nature. The screening begins at 7:30pm.
Premiering in the U.S. Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival, the film captivated audiences with its visually stunning portrayal of hummingbird rescue efforts led by Terry Masear, an avian rehabilitation expert based in Los Angeles.
The documentary focuses on one bustling hatching season, following Masear as she operates her “hummingbird hotline,” a lifeline for over 20,000 distressed callers since 2004. Masear’s work is both practical and profoundly emotional—rescuing, nurturing, and sometimes grieving for the fragile creatures she dedicates her life to saving. Her empathetic approach is evident in scenes where she comforts injured birds like "Wasabi," or guides finders through the painstaking process of caring for these delicate animals.
Filmmaker Aitken skillfully balances the focus between the birds’ intricate beauty and Masear’s quiet heroism. Critics have lauded the cinematography which captures the hummingbirds' vibrant plumage and rapid flight in exquisite detail. These images, combined with the poignant narrative, make the film an immersive, deeply moving experience.
Admission is $12 online/$15 at door LIFSociety Members Free. Tickets are available for purchase online. The LBI Historical Museum is located at 129 Engleside Avenue in Beach Haven, New Jersey. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged and appreciated.
Every Little Thing has screened at major festivals including Sundance and SXSW, receiving widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and stunning visuals. Reviewers praised it as “unexpectedly hopeful” and an “ideal mixture of beauty and insight,” with an “A” grade from Showbiz Junkies. Its profound message has left audiences inspired and reflective about the interconnectedness of life.
In Terry Masear’s words, “The compassion that goes into saving a bird is what matters.” Through her lens, Aitken reminds us of the transformative power of empathy, making Every Little Thing a standout among 2024 documentaries. As Oscar season approaches, industry insiders have earmarked it as a potential entry in the Best Documentary Feature category.
Filmmaker Sally Aitken is a twice Emmy®-nominated director and writer, and a showrunner of multiple international series. Known for visually arresting work characterised by compassion, and humour, she delights in unknown stories, adventurous collaborations and the world’s complexities. Her most recent film is the Sundance Film Festival hit, PLAYING WITH SHARKS the remarkable story of maverick conservationist Valerie Taylor and her love affair with the ocean’s most terrifying predator. Featuring a rich archival palette, the filming of JAWS and a magnetic central character, the film has been described as “extraordinary,” “visually stunning, enthralling” and “a moving portrait of grace and compassion” and was named one of the top 15 films of the festival by The Hollywood Reporter.
The Lighthouse International Film Society (LIFF) is the film festival's sister organization, bringing you cutting-edge, award-winning films and events to enjoy all year long.
Of special note: LIFF screened Director Sally Atiken’s "Playing with Sharks: The Valerie Taylor Story“ in 2021.
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