A Life Illuminated
One Take Documentary Series

A Life Illuminated

Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 7:00pm

Little Theatre 1 (240 East Ave.)
Doors open at 6:30pm

Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 3:00pm

Little Theatre 5 – The Jack Garner Theatre (8 Winthrop Street)
Doors open at 2:30pm

Regular ticket prices
Tickets available online in advance, at our box office during open hours, or at the door (if available).

In A Life Illuminated, marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder embarks on a groundbreaking journey to unveil the mysterious light of bioluminescence – a phenomenon that allows life to communicate in the darkness of the ocean’s depths.

As one of the first women in her field, Edie transformed our understanding of the deep sea – once perceived as a dark and empty void, into a vibrant world filled with life and light. Known for being the first person in history to film bioluminescence in the deep sea, as well as capturing the first footage of the elusive giant 1 squid in its natural habitat, she has transformed the world’s view of our oceans. Now, she embarks on her most daring expedition yet: a descent 3,300 feet beneath the ocean’s surface to document a mysterious bioluminescent phenomenon she has pursued her entire life – one that could forever change how we understand life on Earth.

Blending cinematic vérité footage from her journey into the deep with never-before-seen archives from her lifetime of expeditions, the film captures Edie’s quest to reveal the profound beauty of bioluminescence while emphasizing the urgent need to protect the fragile ecosystems of the deep sea.

Q&A details to be announced.

Not Rated | 1 hr 29 mins | Documentary | 2025
USA | English
DCP

Directed by Tasha Van Zandt

About the series

High Falls Women in Film - slide
One Take Documentary Series

The Little’s One Take Documentary Series is a monthly film series, presenting a unique mix of documentaries — ranging from film festival favorites to unheralded gems — followed by panel discussions and filmmaker Q&As. Read more