Alum’s Passion for Birds Turns into Migration Documentary

Tomas Koeck’s ‘Flyway of Life’ offers in-depth look at North America’s easternmost migration route

Alum and filmmaker Tomas Koeck, MA ’24, recently shared his second documentary feature film, Flyway of Life, with friends, family and colleagues at the SHU Community Theatre.

His new film offers an in-depth look into the world of animal migration. What started as a project born from a love of birds and their complex migration patterns broadened into a more comprehensive look at animal migration. The film focuses on the Atlantic flyway, a migration “highway” that animals follow along the entire Eastern Seaboard.

“I was fascinated by the interconnection that the subject matter provided,” Koeck said. “I’ve always been curious about bird migration and the amount they travel. When I began work on the film, I learned just how much of the animal ecosystem relies on these flyways to survive.”

After the film’s premiere, Koeck expressed his appreciation for the support of his peers, professors and alma mater in helping him reach the finish line.

“What started as my graduate capstone morphed into this multi-year project with tons of involvement and support,” he said. “The School of Communication, Media & the Arts at SHU helped me so much. The faculty members are caring, optimistic and true professionals in their respective fields.”

James Castonguay, professor and director of the School of Communication, Media & the Arts, has long supported Koeck in his endeavors. “Tomas has always been an incredibly passionate, talented and self-directed student who was determined to find a way to accomplish his ambitious goals.” Castonguay said. “He has made full use of the resources provided by our program and faculty, setting a high standard for future students to strive for and emulate. The result is an impressive and distinctive project like Flyway. I can’t wait to see what Tomas does next.”

Now that the documentary has been released, Koeck is focused on future screenings and a wider distribution of the film. “This is the part now that’s both scary and exciting,” he said. “We have a variety of different screenings already lined up in places like Costa Rica, Florida, New Jersey, New York City and New Hampshire, and we’re working on even more.”

Koeck said there’s a logic behind the locations of several of the upcoming screenings. “I wanted the film’s tour to follow the same path that the Atlantic flyway does, with our path reflecting that of the animals that rely so heavily on this route,” he said.

All the screenings will be events in themselves. “I set out to make something that made an impact on all of these local communities highlighted throughout the film,” he said. “This project took years of hard work, and I want each screening to be a special event that reflects that work.”

When asked about his next venture, Koeck said he’s hoping to return to fins and teeth, a nod to his first film, Keepers of the Blue.

For updates regarding film screenings, visit the Flyway of Life webpage.