Live the Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys

NR | 1h 33 m | Documentary

Directors: Lucas Bell, Meigan Bell

Stars: Joe Humphreys, Johanna Humphreys

Live the Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys is “a beautiful wade in the water” with “a 90-year-old rock star of the fly fishing world,” according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Husband and wife filmmakers (Lucas and Meigan Bell, originally from Cheswick and Sarver) spent a year following fishing legend Joe Humphreys, of the State College area, to his favorite fishing holes. 

“Trout streams are fountains of youth for Joe Humphreys: a man who was born to fly fish, lives to teach and strives to pass on a respect for our local waters,” shares Fins and Feathers. “Far more than a fly fishing film, this character story about the one-of-a-kind Joe Humphreys is an emotional and powerful narrative about aging, family, friendships and the power of positive influence, told by a man who has followed his calling for an entire lifetime.”

The Bells more than agree: “A documentary is heavily reliant on the main character. Is he someone you’ll want to watch for an hour or so?” Lucas Bell asks the Post-Gazette. “Within two minutes of meeting Joe, you realize how unique he is, and engaging and charismatic. When he tells a story, you don’t want him to stop.”

Live the Stream was named the Best Adventure Film and Audience Award winner at the 2019 Breckenridge, Colo., Film Festival, the Best Documentary and Best of Show Audience Award at the 2018 Reading Film Festival. The documentary has been an official selection of multiple national and international film festivals, drawing senior citizens, outdoor lovers, environmentalists and fisherfolk.