Chasin’ Fat Tuna: A Senior Thesis Film

A Documentary Senior Thesis Film by Lucy Rushton

Independent filmmaker and Montserrat College of Art senior Lucy Rushton presents Chasin’ Fat Tuna, a 40-minute documentary exploring the life and work of Captain Bob Cook, a Gloucester based commercial fisherman and charter captain known for his appearances on National Geographic’s television series Wicked Tuna.

The documentary will premiere on December 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM at The Cabot Theater, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, Massachusetts.

Having grown up by the ocean, Lucy Rushton has developed a deep personal connection to the ocean and environments shaped by it. As a freelance photographer, she is drawn to motion, atmosphere, and the emotional intensity of lived experience. Her artistic interests center on environments that hold both chaos and stillness, where movement and mood intersect. Through her work, she aims not simply to freeze moments, but to capture the feeling of being immersed in them.

Over the past year, Lucy Rushton has followed Bob Cook, documenting his preparation for the upcoming fishing season. The film offers an intimate look at the rhythms of daily life on the water, the physical and mental demands of the fishing profession, and the deep cultural roots of commercial and recreational fishing in New England.

Through personal interviews and observational footage, Chasin’ Fat Tuna seeks to humanize a figure audiences may recognize from reality television. Rather than presenting Bob Cook solely as a television personality, the documentary reveals a more personal portrait of a hardworking fisherman whose life is shaped by dedication, resilience, and a profound relationship with the ocean.

PUBLIC PREMIERE – FREE ADMISSION

The premiere of Chasin’ Fat Tuna will take place on December 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM at The Cabot in Beverly, Massachusetts. Admission is free, and no tickets or advance reservations are required. The screening is open to the public.

Watch The Official Trailer: