The Lake County Film Festival returns in 2026 for its Sweet 16 edition, celebrating sixteen years of independent cinema with a diverse, ambitious, and international slate of feature and short films. The festival runs March 12–23, 2026.

This year’s festival will screen films at three venues: the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Gorton Center in Lake Forest, and — for the first time — the Antioch Theater in Antioch, expanding the festival’s footprint and access across Lake County.

Gorton Center is proud to be one of the screening venues for “The Last Dive”!

Terry is a legendary figure in Baja Mexico, an American veteran who has spent decades living on—and in—the water. Once a man burdened by a troubled past, Terry’s life was transformed by an unlikely friendship with Willy, a 22-foot oceanic manta ray. For nearly two decades, Willy would slap his wings against the hull of Terry’s sailboat to signal their next dive, and together they explored the ocean’s depths—an extraordinary bond that turned Terry into an unexpected conservationist.

Now in his 80’s, Terry embarks on one final journey to a remote island in hopes of reuniting with his old friend. But he’s also searching for something deeper: peace, closure, and a chance to say goodbye.

Documentary • USA • 2025 • 91 Minutes
Director: Cody Sheehy
Writer: Mark Monroe
Producers: Randy Gebhardt, Christopher Gebhardt,
Editor: Lauren Brinkman
Composer: Paul Leonard-Morgan
Cast: Terrance Kennedy

Festivals: Tribeca, DocEdge, Boston Film Festival, Newport Beach, Anchorage

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