‘The Farmer & The Shark’ Documentary About ‘Jaws’ Icon Quint Sets World Premiere

A new documentary exploring the real-life inspiration behind one of the most iconic characters in Steven Spielberg‘s Jaws is heading to the big screen. The Farmer & The Shark, directed by John Campopiano (Pennywise: The Story of IT, Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story), will make its world premiere at the 15th annual Key West Film Festival on November 22, 2026.

The documentary explores the life of Craig Kingsbury, a legendary Martha’s Vineyard resident whose personality, mannerisms, and local knowledge helped shape Robert Shaw’s unforgettable portrayal of shark hunter Quint in Jaws.

Campopiano sees the festival as a fitting home for the film’s debut, given its focus on the communities and personalities behind the making of Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster.

“It’s an honor to have the world premiere of The Farmer & The Shark take place at the Key West Film Festival in beautiful Key West, Florida,” Campopiano said. “The heart of our film’s story is about the spirit and tenacity of local Martha’s Vineyard Island people and communities, so Key West feels like the perfect place to introduce the film to the world.”

The director also promised audiences new stories, characters, and archival material connected to the production of Jaws, whose famously troubled shoot became part of Hollywood history.

‘The Farmer & The Shark’ Explores the Real-Life Inspiration Behind Quint

While Jaws remains famous for its mechanical shark, suspenseful storytelling, and turbulent production, The Farmer & The Shark shifts the spotlight to the local people who helped bring the film to life.

Kingsbury became an important figure in the production, helping transform Shaw’s performance into the gruff, distinctive fisherman audiences remember as Quint. Through his language, mannerisms, and understanding of the island’s fishing culture, Kingsbury helped give the character an authentic local flavor.

The documentary also examines how Martha’s Vineyard residents contributed their maritime expertise and practical ingenuity to a production that faced considerable challenges while filming on location.

According to the filmmakers, the project features conversations with Kingsbury’s family and previously unseen interviews with people who worked on Jaws, including production designer Joe Alves, cameraman Michael Chapman, Tom Joyner, Kevin Pike, Jonathan Filley, and Jeffrey Kramer.

The film aims to reveal how the island’s residents helped turn a difficult production into a landmark of American cinema.

Documentary Features Rare Behind-the-Scenes ‘Jaws’ Material

Alongside the premiere announcement, the filmmakers have revealed a behind-the-scenes photograph from the original Jaws production, supplied by Conrad “Whitey” Krumm, the film’s original shark molder and special effects artist.

The image offers a look at the shark mold before it was painted, providing another glimpse into the practical effects work behind Spielberg’s classic.

The documentary’s approach combines personal recollections, archival material, and interviews with people who experienced the production firsthand. Rather than retelling the familiar story of Jaws solely through its Hollywood stars, the film explores the contributions of the local workers and artisans whose efforts helped shape its legacy.

Michael Tuckman, director of programming at the Key West Film Festival, welcomed the documentary’s selection, drawing a playful comparison between the Florida Keys and Martha’s Vineyard.

He also noted that personalities like Quint can be found among the people of the Keys, making Kingsbury’s story a natural fit for the festival.

Who Made ‘The Farmer & The Shark’?

The Farmer & The Shark is directed by John Campopiano and written by Rick DiGregorio (Cheers) and Campopiano, with Matthew Spry also contributing as a co-writer.

Gabriel Long served as director of photography. The producers are Eastwood Allen (RoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCop), Jim Beller (Jaws: Memories from Martha’s Vineyard), Kelly Ryan, and Matt Taylor. Campopiano, James Cilano, and DiGregorio are executive producers.

The documentary features original music by Matt Cannon, illustrations by Jacob Walsh, animation by Mike Nixon, motion graphics by Eastwood Allen, and editing by Jay Espindola (Art Attack! The Dissection of Terrifier 3).

The film is produced by Leroy Street Films in association with Atomic Clock, Witter Entertainment, North River Films, and Stage 3 Productions.

When Does ‘The Farmer & The Shark’ Premiere?

The Farmer & The Shark will have its world premiere on November 22, 2026, at the 15th annual Key West Film Festival in Key West, Florida.

The documentary offers Jaws fans a chance to discover a lesser-known chapter in the making of one of cinema’s most influential thrillers, celebrating the real people whose contributions helped bring Quint and the world of Amity Island to life.