World Premiere of the Documentary “Sharks of the Sea of Cortés: A Lost Treasure?”
The International Ocean Film Festival is presenting the world premiere of “Sharks of the Sea of Cortés: A Lost Treasure?”
A film by Pelagios Kakunjá and Azuloceano
Just 30 years ago, dense, swirling schools of hammerheads and giant manta rays made the Sea of Cortés - El Golfo de California - a global diving mecca, and created the city of La Paz’ flourishing tourism economy. But in the 1990s, indiscriminate issuance of shark fishing permits allowed multinational fleets to “strip mine” them in critical habitats, including nurseries. This triggered a cascade of collapse among shark populations, so local fisheries and tourism plummeted. But today, scientists and fishermen work closely together to restore and protect this priceless marine ecosystem.
Executive Producer: Sylvia A. Earle
Directed by: James Ketchum
Produced by: Karina Busto Ibarra, James Ketchum
Directors of Photography: Alfredo Barroso, Liisa Juuti
Language: Spanish / English Subtitles
Duration: 26 mins
Available July 11-25, 2021
Thank you to all of our donors who made this possible! We also want to acknowledge all of whom contributed to the making of this film: interviewees, scientific advisors, photographers, narrator, translator, designers and postproduction crew!
Q&A - Sharks of the Sea of Cortés: A Lost Treasure?
Join us for a livestream conversation about the film and discussion about the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortés) and what is being donde to protect this ecosystem. Panelists:
James Ketchum, Director, Sharks of the Sea of Cortés
Max Bello, Advisor Ocean Policy, Mission Blue
Howard Hall, Underwater Filmmaker, Howard Hall Productions
Eréndira Aceves Bueno, Assitant Profesor, College of Environment, University of WA
Ana Blanco, Executive Director, International Ocean Film Festival, Moderator
Monday July 19 at 6:00 PM (San Francisco, CA) - 7:00 PM (La Paz, B.C.S.) - 8:00 PM (CDMX)
Radio Interview: KALW Public Media
On July 19th KALW Public Media presented an interview about the film “Sharks of the Sea of Cortés: A Lost Treasure?”, with guests:
Dr. James Ketchum, director of the film, lead scientist and co-founder of Pelagios Kakunjá.
Alfredo Barroso, award winning underwater cameraman who specializes in natural history.
Liisa Juuti, underwater camera operator who works for wildlife documentaries about oceans.
Radio Interview: Sustentable @Aire Libre
Mexican journalist Alberto Tinoco Guadarrama interviewed Dr. James Ketchum about the release of the new documentary “Sharks of the Sea of Cortés: A lost Treasure?”. The interview was recorded on 27/07/21 for Sustentable, a radio program dedicated to highlight the environment and what people are doing in Mexico and other parts of the world to protect nature and its biodiversity.
Screening in Acuario Michin
On August 6, 2021 the documentary “Sharks of the Sea of Cortés: A lost treasure?” was screened in Acuario Michin simultaneously in Guadalajara and Puebla. It was followed by a special live virtual Q&A session with film director James Ketchum, who was happy to answer all questions from the public. Thank you all for your participation!
Screening in Capuchino - La Paz, B.C.S.
On November 4, 2021 the documentary was screened for the first time in La Paz, Baja California Sur. The event was organized by Cineclub Tropical and was held in Capuchino Cafe with the assistance of more than 100 people. It was followed by a Q&A session with film director James Ketchum and directors of photography Alfredo Barroso and Liisa Juuti.
Check out the press interview with James Ketchum and Miguel Ángel Robles from Cineclub Tropical to promote the event at Capuchino.
Film Festivals
Awards:
Cinematic European Film Festival (Romania) - Honorable Mention
Environmental Film & Screenplay Festival (United States) - Audience Feedback Video, Audience Award: Best Sound & Music
Fauna Tepoztlán Animal Festival (México) - Domingo Award “Respeto a la vida salvaje”
Hispanic International Film Festival (United States) - Exceptional Merit
Nature Without Borders International Film Festival (United States) - Exceptional Merit Award
Short Film Factory (Romania) - Best Nature
Official Selection:
International Underwater Film Festival Belgrade (Serbia)
Environmental Film & Screenplay Festival (United States) - Audience Feedback Video
International Ocean Film Festival (United States) - April 7-10, 2022: COWELL THEATER, FORT MASON CENTER FOR ARTS & CULTURE SAN FRANCISCO, CA. IOFF Film Program
Festival Internacional de Cine Tequila (México) - April 27-30, 2022: Tequila, Jalisco. FICTEQ Official Selection.
One Earth Awards (India)
Blog publication date: July 8 2021
Updated: June 2, 2022