A new documentary by Sacred Heart University (SHU) students, alumni and staff explores the most important places in the world for migrating birds, touching on the crucial need for conservation and community help.
Source: Instagram, @tomaskoeck
“Flyway of Life,” directed by award-winning filmmaker and SHU alumnus Tomas Koek, is a film that looks at the Atlantic Flyway, a major bird migration route that goes from Canada to both central and southern America.
Koeck graduated from SHU in 2024 with his master’s degree and is now known as a storyteller and an advocate for the environment. For this project, he was joined by Collin Moura, a 2025 SHU graduate and former Spectrum editor, who is an outdoor enthusiast and photographer. Moura has traveled to and explored numerous countries on his expeditions.
“I got involved with this project after meeting Tomas, who has been an incredible mentor for me over the last couple of years,” said Moura. “I assisted him throughout production, accompanying the crew on expeditions to places like Costa Rica and Everglades National Park. I learned so much about the importance of protecting migratory bird habitat from my time working on the documentary and hope the film inspires others to get involved with great local organizations like the Connecticut Audubon Society.”
The film was assisted by SHU faculty, the Connecticut Audubon Society, and an international partner, including the Organization for Tropical Studies in La Selva, Costa Rica. Students and faculty came together to work with local and global environmental leaders to spread awareness for conservation movements.
Professor Keith Zdrojowy, a School of Communication, Media and the Arts (SCMA) professor and supporter of the film, emphasized the importance of being supportive and providing resources to all students and alumni who are interested in filmmaking.
“We supported ‘Flyway of Life’ by being there for the production and helping out in any way,” said Zdrojowy. “For example, we were there when Tomas needed help with equipment and the paperwork that came along with that.”
Zdrojowy said he sees this kind of support as not only a way to help guide student success but also as a way to recruit prospective students who are interested in filmmaking.
“This film is important to me because it is refreshing to see the support that the professors here at SHU have to show for their students and alumni,” said junior Frank Morle. “This film was a great example of this.”
“Flyway of Life” premiered on April 22 at the SHU community theater in Fairfield, where the auditorium was packed for a sold-out viewing. Other screenings were held last spring in a handful of states, such as N.J., R.I., and N.H.
Recent showings included an Oct. 1 screening at UCONN and one at the SHU Community Theater on Oct. 5. Moreover, there are several screenings set for 2025 and 2026.
For more information on this documentary, viewing dates, and tickets, visit flywayfilm.com.
