SHARKS: Stewards of the Reef
This film examines escalating threats to shark population including habitat destruction of reef ecosystems and over fishing that are causing Pacific reef shark populations to plummet. It examines the most brutal assault threatening shark abundance: that of finning sharks for shark fin soup. Compelling interviews with leading marine biologists and conservationists reveal these driving forces behind the drastic reduction of many shark populations.
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Sharks: Stewards of the Reef, takes you on a voyage of underwater discovery, to explore tropical reefs and dive with sharks. This 30 minute educational documentary describes the relationship between these top predators, to the oceans and coral reef ecosystems. This film examines escalating threats to shark population including habitat destruction of reef ecosystems and over fishing that are causing Pacific reef shark populations to plummet. It examines the most brutal assault threatening shark abundance: that of finning sharks for shark fin soup.
Compelling interviews with leading marine biologists and conservationists reveal these driving forces behind the drastic reduction of many shark populations. In the footsteps of the Polynesian voyagers, our filmmaking team sailed thousands of miles to explore, dive and document the atolls of the Pacific.
Through stunning footage of these remote island outposts, we take you on a journey of adventure that dispels the notion of sharks as vicious man-eaters. With this deeper appreciation, learn that sharks are important symbols in Polynesian culture and are an essential member of the coral reef ecosystem.
FILM PURPOSE
This film raises awareness of the importance of sharks for a healthy ocean, and how all components of the sea are interrelated. Our oceans serve us, we must serve our oceans through sustainable use and supporting marine protected areas such as the newly established Papahanaumokuakea - the National Marine Monument of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Credits:
Produced by Trillium Films
Directed by: Holiday Johnson
Music by: Carey Camacho
Camerawork by: David McGuire, Christopher Johnson, Christopher Jenkins
Edited by Christopher Jenkins
Duration: 30 minutes
Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese
AWARDS
Best Film Nature Documentary: Black Oak Film Festival
Best Short, Animal Advocacy: Artivest Film Festival
Best Short Documentary: Eugene International Film Festival
Visionary Aloha Award: MauiFest Film Festival
Winners Circle: Santa Cruz Earthvision Film Festival
Honorable Mention for Conservation Message:
International Wildlife Film Festival, Missoula
Best Film Hawaii Category:
Honolulu International Film Festival
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
"Sharks are disappearing more rapidly than most scientists and fishermen imagined. This film explains why, the perilous consequences resulting fromt he loss of sharks, and what must be done about it."
~John E. McCosker PhD, Chair of Aquatic Biology California Academy of Sciences
"Though sharks can be dangerous, humans give far more trouble than we get. This film puts reef sharks in a larger context of their ocean habitat, their confrontation with humanity – from those who venerate to those who vilify them – and the ways forward."
~ Carl Safina PhD, President Blue