Sanibel Documentary Series
LAST UPDATED: 24 April 2023

In 2014 Pfeifer Realty Group formed a partnership with 7-Time Emmy Award-Winning Film Maker, David E. Carter to produce a series of Sanibel Island Documentaries that both preserved Island History while generating financial support for local non-profits at the same time.

The following 5 historical documentaries are the result of an incredible 6-year partnership between David Carter and Pfeifer Realty Group. To date these films have generated more than $36,000 in non-profit support and will continue to do so into the future. They also lead to the creation of the Pfeifer Vintage Photo Collection at the Sanibel Library.

Click to Watch Each Sanibel Documentary:

Growing Up on Sanibel

7 Sanibel Artists

Sanibel Before the Causeway

Post Cards and Photos from Sanibel 1884 - 1947

Post Cards and Photos from Sanibel Part II 1948 - 1981


"Thank you to the late David E. Carter for sharing his passion for history, film, creativity, patience and humor. In producing these documentaries we gathered a tremendous collection of historical photographs, records, documents and post cards which led to the creation of the Pfeifer Vintage Photo Collection at the Sanibel Library. It was an honor to work side by side with David for over 6 years as we collaborated on these 5 documentaries. It's not everyday that you get to work with a 7-time Emmy Award Winning Producer and it was an honor to sit side by side and witness his talent. David always said I made his work better, but I think he said that so I wouldn't be intimidated by his talent.

One afternoon while brainstorming with David about creating a Sanibel Film Festival complete with Emmy style awards, I proudly showed David the Telly Award that Pfeifer Realty Group had won for for our TV commercial produced by Mark Meyers. Imagine my shock when David quietly said 'Oh, that's great you won one, I created the Telly Awards'! He was a humble man of many talents. Sadly David passed away on April 24th, 2023, shortly after Hurricane Ian's devastation. I'm so thankful that his efforts and love for Sanibel and Captiva Islands left a lasting record for all of us to enjoy." ~ Mary Ellen Pfeifer

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