“Sharkwater Extinction” isn’t just a follow-up to 2006’s “Sharkwater”; it’s another in a long line of well-intentioned advocacy docs that end with a website address. The difference, however, is that Rob Stewart’s film also concludes with the Canadian writer-director’s own 2017 demise at the age of 37 from hypoxia, which lends it a gravity — and urgency — that few like-minded efforts can claim. A testament to its maker’s staunch belief in the cause of shark preservation, it’s a plea for transparency and conservation whose gorgeous 4K cinematography should make it an enticing proposition for nonfiction cinephiles and activists alike.
Stewart’s fate isn’t revealed at the outset of “Sharkwater Extinction;” rather, it’s foreshadowed by ominous colleague comments as well as Stewart’s own admission that, while his parents worry about his safety, his success at surviving brushes with death has only amplified his confidence. There...
Stewart’s fate isn’t revealed at the outset of “Sharkwater Extinction;” rather, it’s foreshadowed by ominous colleague comments as well as Stewart’s own admission that, while his parents worry about his safety, his success at surviving brushes with death has only amplified his confidence. There...
- 1/31/2019
- by Nick Schager
- Variety Film + TV
"The only option I have is to not give up." Freestyle Digital Media has debuted an official trailer for a new documentary titled Sharkwater Extinction, the latest doc by Canadian filmmaker / activist Rob Stewart. This follow-up to Stewart's 2006 doc Sharkwater is once again all about sharks, but this time it's about the billion dollar illegal shark fin industry and the political corruption behind it. By exposing the truth behind all the illegal fishing, he also looks at how this industry that threatens the survival of the world's sharks. "Shark finning is still rampant, shark fin soup is still being consumed, and endangered sharks are now also being used to make products for human consumption. Stewart’s mission is to save the sharks before it’s too late." This looks like it's trying to be Blackfish but for sharks with the hope of actually causing real change. Here's the official trailer...
- 1/12/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The final film from documentarian and ocean conservationist Rob Stewart, “Sharkwater Extinction” goes to amazing lengths to expose the illegal shark-finning industry, a highly controversial practice endangering the misunderstood predator. The film is a follow-up to the highly-successful 2006 Canadian film “Sharkwater,” a deep-dive into the corrupt shark-hunting industries in the marine reserves of Cocos Island, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. “Sharkwater” is credited with changing laws and public policy worldwide and creating hundreds of conservation groups, with more than 90 countries banning shark finning today.
“Sharkwater Extinction” continues Stewart’s crusade through the oceans and across four continents to investigate the corruption behind a multi-billion-dollar pirate fishing trade and massive illegal shark fin industry, from West Africa, Spain, Panama, Costa Rica, France, and even North America. Shot in vivid 6k, the trailer boasts mind-blowing cinematography and action-packed scenes of Stewart provoking members of the mafia-controlled industry.
Tragically, Stewart died...
“Sharkwater Extinction” continues Stewart’s crusade through the oceans and across four continents to investigate the corruption behind a multi-billion-dollar pirate fishing trade and massive illegal shark fin industry, from West Africa, Spain, Panama, Costa Rica, France, and even North America. Shot in vivid 6k, the trailer boasts mind-blowing cinematography and action-packed scenes of Stewart provoking members of the mafia-controlled industry.
Tragically, Stewart died...
- 8/8/2018
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
The Toronto International Film Festival has added another 19 new titles to its 2018 festival lineup, comprised entirely of features directed by Canadian filmmakers. Each year, Tiff highlights the films that hail from its own shores in a standalone announcement, and this year it includes nine new films from female directors, six debut features, a number of titles from fixtures of the Canadian film scene, and the world premiere of three films that showcase some of the country’s Indigenous talent.
The festival will also play home to a special event world premiere and tribute dedicated to the late filmmaker and conservationist Rob Stewart, centered around his final film, “Sharkwater Extinction.” Stewart passed away in 2017 while working on the film, a followup to his 2006 documentary “Sharkwater.”
“We’re especially proud to present such a diverse group of films,” said Steve Gravestock, Tiff Senior Programmer, in an official statement. “Ranging from science fiction to fantasy,...
The festival will also play home to a special event world premiere and tribute dedicated to the late filmmaker and conservationist Rob Stewart, centered around his final film, “Sharkwater Extinction.” Stewart passed away in 2017 while working on the film, a followup to his 2006 documentary “Sharkwater.”
“We’re especially proud to present such a diverse group of films,” said Steve Gravestock, Tiff Senior Programmer, in an official statement. “Ranging from science fiction to fantasy,...
- 8/1/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Canadian filmmaker Rob Stewart was honoured with a Senate 150 Anniversary medal on Wednesday, reports Tribute, during a ceremony in Ottawa attended by the late “Sharkwater” director’s parents, Brian and Sandy Stewart, in addition to their daughter Alexandra and son-in-law Roger. Stewart, who passed away in early February while diving in the Florida Keys, was honoured posthumously […]...
- 11/29/2017
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
A research and expedition vessel has been named in honour of the late Rob Stewart, the director and environmental activist behind the award-winning documentary “Sharkwater”. Marine research and conservation non-profit organization Fins Attached has partnered with Stewart’s “Sharkwater” team to christen the boat and help them finish the film, “Sharkwater Extinction”. Stewart went missing in […]...
- 7/31/2017
- by Rachel West
- ET Canada
In this week's video, we look at a couple films that provide very different views of mixed-race relationships, the historical drama A United Kingdom and the horror/dark comedy from Jordan Peele Get Out. We also consider I Am Not Your Negro, an extraordinary doc that takes the writings of James Baldwin about his friends and civil rights icons and brings the words to life. Finally, a brief tribute to Sharkwater director Rob Stewart, who recently died while shooting another of his nature films....
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/21/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Canadian filmmaker Rob Stewart, director of the documentary Sharkwater, left us earlier this month in a tragic diving accident while he was filming the follow up to his hit film. To honor his legacy and to help continue the work he so firmly believed in Cineplex, Entertainment One and the Stewart family have arranged free screenings of Sharkwater across Canada on February 25th. Tickets will be free at the participating cinemas in exchange for a donation to WWF-Canada. Please read the full press release below for a list of participating cinemas near you. Toronto, On (Tsx: Cgx), February 14, 2017 – To honour the career and legacy of the late Canadian filmmaker Rob Stewart, Cineplex, in partnership with Entertainment One and the Stewart family, is...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/14/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Celebrate Canadian filmmaker Rob Stewart’s legacy with free screenings of SharkwaterCelebrate Canadian filmmaker Rob Stewart’s legacy with free screenings of SharkwaterAdriana Floridia2/14/2017 10:00:00 Am
We recently lost one of Canada’s best documentary filmmakers, Rob Stewart. He was a wildlife photographer, activist, educator and filmmaker who fought for shark conservation, and made the award-winning film Sharkwater. The film focused on the decline of the shark population due to human actions. Sharkwater is widely credited with creating the shark conservation movement, and spurring actions to change government policy on shark finning worldwide.
When Sharkwater first played at the Toronto International Film Festival back in 2006, it was received with both critical and popular acclaim. It made Tiff’s list of the top ten Canadian films of the year, and had the largest opening weekend box office of any Canadian documentary.
On February 25th, Sharkwater- A Tribute to Rob Stewart...
We recently lost one of Canada’s best documentary filmmakers, Rob Stewart. He was a wildlife photographer, activist, educator and filmmaker who fought for shark conservation, and made the award-winning film Sharkwater. The film focused on the decline of the shark population due to human actions. Sharkwater is widely credited with creating the shark conservation movement, and spurring actions to change government policy on shark finning worldwide.
When Sharkwater first played at the Toronto International Film Festival back in 2006, it was received with both critical and popular acclaim. It made Tiff’s list of the top ten Canadian films of the year, and had the largest opening weekend box office of any Canadian documentary.
On February 25th, Sharkwater- A Tribute to Rob Stewart...
- 2/14/2017
- by Adriana Floridia
- Cineplex
Rob Stewart, the 37-year-old documentarian and conservationist who went missing a couple days ago, was found dead after his body was recovered off the Florida Keys, according to Variety. The Us Coast Guard confirmed the news on Friday, February 3, after days of searching for Stewart and soliciting volunteer help.
Body of diver Mr Stewart reportedly found @ depth of 220 ft by Rov assist to Key Largo Vol Fire Dept.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) February 4, 2017
The Canadian filmmaker had been on a deep-water dive, exploring the wreck of Queen of Nassau and shooting “Sharkwater: Extinction,” a follow-up to his 2006 documentary, “Sharkwater,” about how to get shark finning banned worldwide.
Read More: Rob Stewart Missing: Documentarian and Conservationist Was Shooting ‘Sharkwater’ Follow-Up
His family posted the following message on the “Sharkwater” website:
“Rob has been found, peacefully in the ocean. There are no words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone who helped search, and...
Body of diver Mr Stewart reportedly found @ depth of 220 ft by Rov assist to Key Largo Vol Fire Dept.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) February 4, 2017
The Canadian filmmaker had been on a deep-water dive, exploring the wreck of Queen of Nassau and shooting “Sharkwater: Extinction,” a follow-up to his 2006 documentary, “Sharkwater,” about how to get shark finning banned worldwide.
Read More: Rob Stewart Missing: Documentarian and Conservationist Was Shooting ‘Sharkwater’ Follow-Up
His family posted the following message on the “Sharkwater” website:
“Rob has been found, peacefully in the ocean. There are no words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone who helped search, and...
- 2/4/2017
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Canadian filmmaker and marine biologist Rob Stewart was found dead on Friday. ‘Sharkwater’ Filmmaker Rob Stewart Found Dead His body was recovered off the Florida Keys, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed. Stewart, 37, went missing after going deep sea scuba diving Tuesday, visiting the wreck of the Queen of Nassau ship. Body of diver Mr Stewart reportedly found […]
Source: uInterview
The post ‘Sharkwater’ Filmmaker Rob Stewart Found Dead At 37 appeared first on uInterview.
Source: uInterview
The post ‘Sharkwater’ Filmmaker Rob Stewart Found Dead At 37 appeared first on uInterview.
- 2/4/2017
- by Aleks Simeonova
- Uinterview
Rob Stewart is best known around the world for being an acclaimed documentarian. Stewart rose to public acclaim upon the release of his 2006 film Sharkwater which helped raise awareness of shark finning which lead to the eventual bad of the practice in 2013. Shark finning refers to the removal and retention of shark fins and the discard at sea of the carcass. The shark is most often still alive when it is tossed back into the water. Unable to swim, the shark slowly sinks toward the bottom where it is eaten alive by other fish. Stewart had been reported
Sharkwater Filmmaker Rob Stewart Found Dead at 37...
Sharkwater Filmmaker Rob Stewart Found Dead at 37...
- 2/4/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
Rob Stewart, a Canadian filmmaker and marine biologist best known for his environmental documentary 2006 Sharkwater, was found dead in Florida after going missing while deep sea scuba diving on Tuesday. He was 37.
According to Variety, Stewart was working on a sequel to his critically acclaimed film — which earned 31 awards internationally — when he went missing underwater. His body was recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard. In a tweet, the Coast Guard wrote, “Body of diver Mr Stewart reportedly found @ depth of 220 ft by ROV assist to Key Largo Vol Fire Dept.”
Friends, family members and organizations tried to find the...
According to Variety, Stewart was working on a sequel to his critically acclaimed film — which earned 31 awards internationally — when he went missing underwater. His body was recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard. In a tweet, the Coast Guard wrote, “Body of diver Mr Stewart reportedly found @ depth of 220 ft by ROV assist to Key Largo Vol Fire Dept.”
Friends, family members and organizations tried to find the...
- 2/4/2017
- by Blake Bakkila
- PEOPLE.com
Rob Stewart is still missing off the coast of Florida, reports FLKeysNews. The 37-year-old documentarian and conservationist went missing two days ago during a deep-water dive exploring the wreck of Queen of Nassau, where he and a small group were filming “Sharkwater: Extinction,” a follow-up to 2006’s “Sharkwater.” The search is ongoing: “We don’t have any suspension plans at this time,” Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer Eric Woodall said.
Read More: Salma Hayek Responds to Sundance Controversy: ‘I Was Disappointed That the Conversation Was Cut Short’
Stewart and one of his team members resurfaced at approximately 5:15 in the afternoon on Tuesday. Per the report, Stewart and his colleague “got onto their dive boat boat and passed out. When the boat crew went to retrieve Stewart, he was no longer in sight. According to an email from the conservation group Sea Shepherd, colleagues think Stewart passed out as well and floated off.
Read More: Salma Hayek Responds to Sundance Controversy: ‘I Was Disappointed That the Conversation Was Cut Short’
Stewart and one of his team members resurfaced at approximately 5:15 in the afternoon on Tuesday. Per the report, Stewart and his colleague “got onto their dive boat boat and passed out. When the boat crew went to retrieve Stewart, he was no longer in sight. According to an email from the conservation group Sea Shepherd, colleagues think Stewart passed out as well and floated off.
- 2/2/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Filmmaker Rob Stewart was diving off of the Florida Keys for part of his Sharkwater documentary series when he went missing. Sharkwater Filmmaker Rob Stewart Missing He and a small group were diving near Alligator Reef off Lower Matecumbe Key when he and a fellow diver resurfaced, with the other diver passed out. The boat crew got […]
Source: uInterview
The post ‘Sharkwater’ Filmmaker Rob Stewart Goes Missing Off Of Florida Keys After Dive appeared first on uInterview.
Source: uInterview
The post ‘Sharkwater’ Filmmaker Rob Stewart Goes Missing Off Of Florida Keys After Dive appeared first on uInterview.
- 2/2/2017
- by Hillary Luehring-Jones
- Uinterview
The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for Canadian filmmaker and marine biologist Rob Stewart after he went missing during a scuba dive off the Upper Florida Keys on Tuesday night.
Stewart is best known for his 2006 documentary Sharkwater, which debuted at the Toronto Film Festival and explored global shark hunting and its impact on the ocean ecosystem.
The U.S. Coast Guard said it responded Tuesday around 5:13 p.m. to a report of a missing diver near Alligator Reef made by a crewmember aboard the vessel Pisces. Coast Guard boat and helicopter crews joined the search, which continued at daybreak...
Stewart is best known for his 2006 documentary Sharkwater, which debuted at the Toronto Film Festival and explored global shark hunting and its impact on the ocean ecosystem.
The U.S. Coast Guard said it responded Tuesday around 5:13 p.m. to a report of a missing diver near Alligator Reef made by a crewmember aboard the vessel Pisces. Coast Guard boat and helicopter crews joined the search, which continued at daybreak...
- 2/1/2017
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Rob Stewart commits a tactical error common to contemporary documentary filmmakers whose work rings the alarm on the damage we do to global ecology: He so painstakingly outlines what is almost irreparable harm that the shoehorned optimism at the film's end seems misplaced to the point of naïveté. Revolution, about the destruction being wrought on the world's oceans, was inspired by a post-screening question an audience member asked when Stewart was promoting his 2007 documentary Sharkwater: "What's the point in trying to save sharks when U.N. reports suggest that by 2048 the world's natural fisheries will be wiped out?" Unable to answer, Stewart set out to discover what was causing the collapse of the world's fish supply. The culprit,...
- 4/22/2015
- Village Voice
Thanks to Canadian film entertainment news outlet, "Tribute" as they celebrated "...35 Years of Entertainment..." September 12, 2014 @ Toronto's 'Everleigh Club':
The annual party included featured appearances by filmmaker Rob Stewart ("Sharkwater", "Revolution") and Hip Hop personality Kardinal Offishall.
Event Sponsors included Cameron’s Brewing Company, Deanston Single Malt, Extreme Pita, Pommies Dry Cider, Thai Express, Ungava Premium Gin and Villa Medina.
Music was provided by Kid Mk.
Click the images to enlarge...
The annual party included featured appearances by filmmaker Rob Stewart ("Sharkwater", "Revolution") and Hip Hop personality Kardinal Offishall.
Event Sponsors included Cameron’s Brewing Company, Deanston Single Malt, Extreme Pita, Pommies Dry Cider, Thai Express, Ungava Premium Gin and Villa Medina.
Music was provided by Kid Mk.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 9/13/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
★★★★☆ On 24 February, 2010, experienced SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by a male orca called Tilikum during a live show. Initially, the details of the incident were unclear, with early reports that the trainer had slipped and fallen into the tank - or that the whale had grabbed the 40-year-old trainer's ponytail - both later contradicted by video footage and eyewitness testimony. The tragedy served as starting point for Blackfish (2013) director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, shocked by how something so horrible could happen in a place which had a reputation for family fun and loving bonds between animals and trainers.
Sadly, Cowperthwaite's investigation led her into making a much more complex story of animal exploitation and systemic failure, which has seen SeaWorld ignore time and again the dangers associated with using captive whales and porpoises for public entertainment. Far from being a one-off freak accident, Brancheau's death was actually one in a long...
Sadly, Cowperthwaite's investigation led her into making a much more complex story of animal exploitation and systemic failure, which has seen SeaWorld ignore time and again the dangers associated with using captive whales and porpoises for public entertainment. Far from being a one-off freak accident, Brancheau's death was actually one in a long...
- 8/30/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Exclusive: Edward Noeltner’s Cinema Management Group will commence pre-sales in Toronto on Rob Stewart’s eco documentary.
Gus Van Sant serves as executive producer on Revolution, which took Stewart on a four-year global journey investigating topics such as the acidification of oceans and ecosystem decay.
Noeltner will kick off sales next week in Toronto on the film, which screens this autumn at the Tokyo International Film Festival as part of the Telefilm Perspectives showcase.
Revolution marks Stewart’s follow-up to Sharkwater and opened in Canada on Apr 12, grossing $490,000 through D Film.
Sandra Campbell, Brian Stewart, Rob Merilees and David Hannan are among the executive producer roster.
“Rob has an incredible talent for storytelling,” said Noeltner. “This is as compelling a documentary film as I have seen and we feel there’s a worldwide audience that shares Rob’s passion for our planet’s future.”
In addition to Revolution, Cmg will screen the 3D animated features [link=tt...
Gus Van Sant serves as executive producer on Revolution, which took Stewart on a four-year global journey investigating topics such as the acidification of oceans and ecosystem decay.
Noeltner will kick off sales next week in Toronto on the film, which screens this autumn at the Tokyo International Film Festival as part of the Telefilm Perspectives showcase.
Revolution marks Stewart’s follow-up to Sharkwater and opened in Canada on Apr 12, grossing $490,000 through D Film.
Sandra Campbell, Brian Stewart, Rob Merilees and David Hannan are among the executive producer roster.
“Rob has an incredible talent for storytelling,” said Noeltner. “This is as compelling a documentary film as I have seen and we feel there’s a worldwide audience that shares Rob’s passion for our planet’s future.”
In addition to Revolution, Cmg will screen the 3D animated features [link=tt...
- 8/30/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Sneak Peek director Rob Stewart's award-winning documentary "Revolution", from D Films and Universal Studios Entertainment Canada, now available on Digital Download, with DVD, Blu-ray and Digital VOD releases, available August 20, 2013.
"Revolution" opened theatrically April 12, 2013 becoming the highest grossing Canadian documentary since Stewart's first feature "Sharkwater" was released in 2006.
"Revolution" has since won audience awards at the 2012 Vancouver International Film Festival, 2012 Atlantic Film Festival and 2012 Victoria Film Festival, was a Best Documentary runner up at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and awarded the 'Fund for Santa Barbara Social Justice Award' at the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Stewart also received the 'Filmmaker of the Year' distinction from the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
"...'Revolution' follows filmmaker activist Stewart as he embarks on a 4-year adventure through 15 countries to find the key to empowering a sweeping conservation movement across Canada and the world.
"After travelling to some of Earth...
"Revolution" opened theatrically April 12, 2013 becoming the highest grossing Canadian documentary since Stewart's first feature "Sharkwater" was released in 2006.
"Revolution" has since won audience awards at the 2012 Vancouver International Film Festival, 2012 Atlantic Film Festival and 2012 Victoria Film Festival, was a Best Documentary runner up at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and awarded the 'Fund for Santa Barbara Social Justice Award' at the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Stewart also received the 'Filmmaker of the Year' distinction from the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
"...'Revolution' follows filmmaker activist Stewart as he embarks on a 4-year adventure through 15 countries to find the key to empowering a sweeping conservation movement across Canada and the world.
"After travelling to some of Earth...
- 8/9/2013
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
The Children are our future. Nowhere is this saying truer than in the environmental documentary Revolution. Advocates of our ecosystem, the youth of the world are leading the charge when it comes to fighting for not only our planet’s future, but the future of human life.
Documentarian Rob Stewart, the man behind the eye-opening film Sharkwater, is championing the quest to save the oceans and ultimately ourselves in his latest film, Revolution. After gaining insight into the world under the sea in Sharkwater, Stewart realized that changes weren't happening soon enough or sufficiently enough to have an impact in the race against time when it comes to facing our largest environmental crisis. Following initiatives from right in our backyards in Canada to global campaigns, Stewart talks to the people at the front of line: children.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the documentary with Rise Again: The Making of Revolution after the jump.
Documentarian Rob Stewart, the man behind the eye-opening film Sharkwater, is championing the quest to save the oceans and ultimately ourselves in his latest film, Revolution. After gaining insight into the world under the sea in Sharkwater, Stewart realized that changes weren't happening soon enough or sufficiently enough to have an impact in the race against time when it comes to facing our largest environmental crisis. Following initiatives from right in our backyards in Canada to global campaigns, Stewart talks to the people at the front of line: children.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the documentary with Rise Again: The Making of Revolution after the jump.
- 4/5/2013
- by Rachel West
- Cineplex
With his last feature, 2007's Sharkwater, marine biologist Rob Stewart managed to help save the world, one shark fin at a time. He is now back with a new documentary, Revolution, aimed at saving a different species - humans. Revolution takes a step back from a single issue and focuses instead on the greater environmental crisis that binds the fate of every living creature on Earth together. The "revolutionary" thesis Stewart puts forward involves the need for humans to think beyond our current understanding of capitalism, the disastrous implications of links between governments and corporate entities and ultimately suggests an economic growth fueled less by expansion and more by the kind of innovation required to ensure the survival of the species. Sharks are a resilient...
- 10/7/2012
- Screen Anarchy
In the last major update for the Toronto International Film Festival 2012 slate, they’ve announced their Canadian features. The line-up includes Sarah Polley’s upcoming documentary Stories We Tell, coming off her Take This Waltz this summer (which also premiered at Tiff). The other major films include two we’ve seen at Cannes,one being Brandon Cronenberg‘s Antiviral, which premiered alongside his father’s Cosmopolis. We disliked it (full review), saying it came off as an “an amateurish, high-budget student film.” The other major title is Xavier Dolan‘s Laurence Anyways, which we loved (full review), calling it a major step forward for the filmmaker. Check out the rest of the titles below, which I’m sure will include many discoveries.
Antiviral Brandon Cronenberg, Canada/USA North American Premiere
Syd March is an employee at a clinic that sells injections of live viruses harvested from sick celebrities to obsessed fans.
Antiviral Brandon Cronenberg, Canada/USA North American Premiere
Syd March is an employee at a clinic that sells injections of live viruses harvested from sick celebrities to obsessed fans.
- 8/8/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Marine conservationist Paul Watson has been freed from a German jail following publicity campaigns by actress Brigitte Bardot and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The Sea Shepherd captain and star of TV series Whale Wars walked free on Monday after posting 250,000 euros ($318,000) bail in an extradition case from Costa Rica.
Watson was detained in Frankfurt last week (ends18May12) after Costa Rican authorities issued an international request for his arrest, alleging that the conservationist and his crew aboard Sea Shepherd’s Ocean Warrior ship endangered a Costa Rican fishing vessel during a confrontation in 2002.
Defending his actions a decade ago, Watson told reporters upon his release from jail, "I had to take action with my crew a decade ago to protect hundreds of sharks, and of course, those shark poachers have very powerful allies in government and other places."
He has denied any wrongdoing and admits he's puzzled about his arrest.
He adds, "It's very strange that this so-called extradition thing was dismissed by Interpol in every country except Germany."
A spokesman for the Sea Shepherd organisation insists there is a sinister undertone to the extradition request, stating, "The enemies of the oceans are using all of their resources to stop us... This stems from Sea Shepherd victories in curbing shark finning on the high seas."
The confrontation between Watson and his crew and the Costa Rican fishermen featured in a 2007 documentary, titled Sharkwater.
Watson hopes the publicity about his arrest will help generate interest in marine conservation issues: "We have all the laws and regulations we need to protect our oceans, but we don't have governments with the guts to enforce those regulations."
During his week-long jail stay, Watson had celebrity support from Bardot, who offered to switch places with the incarcerated conservationist, and his friends the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who urged fans to seek out more information about his arrest and what he and his crew do on the high seas.
The Sea Shepherd captain and star of TV series Whale Wars walked free on Monday after posting 250,000 euros ($318,000) bail in an extradition case from Costa Rica.
Watson was detained in Frankfurt last week (ends18May12) after Costa Rican authorities issued an international request for his arrest, alleging that the conservationist and his crew aboard Sea Shepherd’s Ocean Warrior ship endangered a Costa Rican fishing vessel during a confrontation in 2002.
Defending his actions a decade ago, Watson told reporters upon his release from jail, "I had to take action with my crew a decade ago to protect hundreds of sharks, and of course, those shark poachers have very powerful allies in government and other places."
He has denied any wrongdoing and admits he's puzzled about his arrest.
He adds, "It's very strange that this so-called extradition thing was dismissed by Interpol in every country except Germany."
A spokesman for the Sea Shepherd organisation insists there is a sinister undertone to the extradition request, stating, "The enemies of the oceans are using all of their resources to stop us... This stems from Sea Shepherd victories in curbing shark finning on the high seas."
The confrontation between Watson and his crew and the Costa Rican fishermen featured in a 2007 documentary, titled Sharkwater.
Watson hopes the publicity about his arrest will help generate interest in marine conservation issues: "We have all the laws and regulations we need to protect our oceans, but we don't have governments with the guts to enforce those regulations."
During his week-long jail stay, Watson had celebrity support from Bardot, who offered to switch places with the incarcerated conservationist, and his friends the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who urged fans to seek out more information about his arrest and what he and his crew do on the high seas.
- 5/21/2012
- WENN
Reviewed by Elliot V. Kotek
(April 2011, screening at the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival)
Directed by: George C. Schellenger
Featuring: Dr. Guy Harvey, Wyland, Jim Abernethy and “Emma” (a 14-foot tiger shark); narrated by: Dr. Sylvia Earle
Dedicated to shark ambassadors and supported by a variety of foundations, this might be the only shark film to begin in Central Park. Jim Abernethy, standing at the Manhattan reservoir, is on a mission to re-engage with the public to address its misperception of sharks. Then a trio of artists descend on the Bahamas to begin their goal of re-educating others and together assemble an accessible film about the power and beauty of a creature demonized for its mechanical killing ability, mostly thanks to an actual mechanical shark, “Jaws.”
Rob Stewart’s 2006 effort, “Sharkwater,” was an impressive, difficult-to-watch documentary that sounded the call to save sharks from overfishing and heinously inhumane treatment. “This Is...
(April 2011, screening at the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival)
Directed by: George C. Schellenger
Featuring: Dr. Guy Harvey, Wyland, Jim Abernethy and “Emma” (a 14-foot tiger shark); narrated by: Dr. Sylvia Earle
Dedicated to shark ambassadors and supported by a variety of foundations, this might be the only shark film to begin in Central Park. Jim Abernethy, standing at the Manhattan reservoir, is on a mission to re-engage with the public to address its misperception of sharks. Then a trio of artists descend on the Bahamas to begin their goal of re-educating others and together assemble an accessible film about the power and beauty of a creature demonized for its mechanical killing ability, mostly thanks to an actual mechanical shark, “Jaws.”
Rob Stewart’s 2006 effort, “Sharkwater,” was an impressive, difficult-to-watch documentary that sounded the call to save sharks from overfishing and heinously inhumane treatment. “This Is...
- 4/29/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Reviewed by Elliot V. Kotek
(April 2011, screening at the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival)
Directed by: George C. Schellenger
Featuring: Dr. Guy Harvey, Wyland, Jim Abernethy and “Emma” (a 14-foot tiger shark); narrated by: Dr. Sylvia Earle
Dedicated to shark ambassadors and supported by a variety of foundations, this might be the only shark film to begin in Central Park. Jim Abernethy, standing at the Manhattan reservoir, is on a mission to re-engage with the public to address its misperception of sharks. Then a trio of artists descend on the Bahamas to begin their goal of re-educating others and together assemble an accessible film about the power and beauty of a creature demonized for its mechanical killing ability, mostly thanks to an actual mechanical shark, “Jaws.”
Rob Stewart’s 2006 effort, “Sharkwater,” was an impressive, difficult-to-watch documentary that sounded the call to save sharks from overfishing and heinously inhumane treatment. “This Is...
(April 2011, screening at the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival)
Directed by: George C. Schellenger
Featuring: Dr. Guy Harvey, Wyland, Jim Abernethy and “Emma” (a 14-foot tiger shark); narrated by: Dr. Sylvia Earle
Dedicated to shark ambassadors and supported by a variety of foundations, this might be the only shark film to begin in Central Park. Jim Abernethy, standing at the Manhattan reservoir, is on a mission to re-engage with the public to address its misperception of sharks. Then a trio of artists descend on the Bahamas to begin their goal of re-educating others and together assemble an accessible film about the power and beauty of a creature demonized for its mechanical killing ability, mostly thanks to an actual mechanical shark, “Jaws.”
Rob Stewart’s 2006 effort, “Sharkwater,” was an impressive, difficult-to-watch documentary that sounded the call to save sharks from overfishing and heinously inhumane treatment. “This Is...
- 4/29/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
- Since it started its festival run at Sundance (where it picked up its first audience award) this tear-jerking doc film that keeps the worst for last has been terribly successful in seducing its audiences. Pegged with a July 31st release (via Roadside Attractions), Louie Psihoyos' The Cove has in the same weekend picked up a pair of East coast film festival awards – winning at both the Nantucket Film Fest and Silverdocs (the king of doc film festivals). The Cove falls into the sub genre of documentary films that could be coined activism docs where you basically pick a pertinent subject, make a credible discourse and tugs at hearts and demands change in the best of manners. The docu does all this and despite a goofy Mission Impossible segment and the message really hits home when the main characters (dolphins) have zero public relations problems. In fact, replace the
- 6/22/2009
- IONCINEMA.com
Looking to reclaim some of the integrity snatched away by Mr. Benchley and Mr. Spielberg, Sharkwater is both a startlingly photographed portrait of that maligned denizen of the deep and a chronicle of filmmaker Rob Stewart's efforts to curb rampant shark poaching in Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands.
While those twin intentions don't always merge swimmingly, Stewart's documentary is seldom less than compelling in its quest to raise international awareness about a situation that is threatening to put sharks on the endangered list.
The Canadian production, which had the largest opening of any indigenous docu when it opened north of the border in March, should attract some An Inconvenient Truth-style attention when it opens Nov. 2 in 20 U.S. markets on the heels of a regional Florida release last month.
Stewart, an award-winning photographer who has been swimming with the sharks since he was a child, initially sets out to show the heavily sensationalized creatures through his eyes, intermingling the vibrantly breathtaking HD footage with archival snippets of old black-and-white shark attack instructional films.
Myths are debunked in the process, with narrator Stewart noting that in 2005, human encounters with the mighty predator led to just five fatalities worldwide, a fraction of the deaths caused each year by tigers and charging elephants.
But what starts off as something of a marine version of Grizzly Man soon changes course when Stewart hooks up with renegade conservationist and Greenpeace co-founder Paul Watson.
It turns out that China's appetite for shark fins -- specifically for soups and medicinal purposes -- has created a multibillion-dollar shark-finning industry, and though some countries have banned the practice, illegal long-line fishing has contributed to the slaughter of 100 million sharks a year.
A trek taken by Watson and Stewart to Cocos Island off Costa Rica uncovers the presence of dozens of clandestine shark fin-drying operations overseen by the Taiwanese mafia, contributing to the serious depletion of the world's shark populations.
In between all the environmental derring-do, ducking both pirates and police, Stewart finds himself sidelined with a life-threatening flesh-eating virus, but it isn't long before he again takes up the cause.
With all that stirring underwater photographer and a buoyant, propulsive score by Jeff Rona -- complemented by song selections from Nina Simone, Portishead and, appropriately, Moby -- it's hard to resist climbing aboard.
SHARKWATER
Freestyle Releasing
SW Prods./Tribute Entertainment Group
Credits:
Director-writer-director of photography: Rob Stewart
Producers: Rob Stewart, Brian Stewart
Executive producer: Sandra Campbell
Music: Jeff Rona
Editors: Rob Stewart, Michael Clarke, Jeremy Stuart, Rick Morden
Running time -- 89 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
While those twin intentions don't always merge swimmingly, Stewart's documentary is seldom less than compelling in its quest to raise international awareness about a situation that is threatening to put sharks on the endangered list.
The Canadian production, which had the largest opening of any indigenous docu when it opened north of the border in March, should attract some An Inconvenient Truth-style attention when it opens Nov. 2 in 20 U.S. markets on the heels of a regional Florida release last month.
Stewart, an award-winning photographer who has been swimming with the sharks since he was a child, initially sets out to show the heavily sensationalized creatures through his eyes, intermingling the vibrantly breathtaking HD footage with archival snippets of old black-and-white shark attack instructional films.
Myths are debunked in the process, with narrator Stewart noting that in 2005, human encounters with the mighty predator led to just five fatalities worldwide, a fraction of the deaths caused each year by tigers and charging elephants.
But what starts off as something of a marine version of Grizzly Man soon changes course when Stewart hooks up with renegade conservationist and Greenpeace co-founder Paul Watson.
It turns out that China's appetite for shark fins -- specifically for soups and medicinal purposes -- has created a multibillion-dollar shark-finning industry, and though some countries have banned the practice, illegal long-line fishing has contributed to the slaughter of 100 million sharks a year.
A trek taken by Watson and Stewart to Cocos Island off Costa Rica uncovers the presence of dozens of clandestine shark fin-drying operations overseen by the Taiwanese mafia, contributing to the serious depletion of the world's shark populations.
In between all the environmental derring-do, ducking both pirates and police, Stewart finds himself sidelined with a life-threatening flesh-eating virus, but it isn't long before he again takes up the cause.
With all that stirring underwater photographer and a buoyant, propulsive score by Jeff Rona -- complemented by song selections from Nina Simone, Portishead and, appropriately, Moby -- it's hard to resist climbing aboard.
SHARKWATER
Freestyle Releasing
SW Prods./Tribute Entertainment Group
Credits:
Director-writer-director of photography: Rob Stewart
Producers: Rob Stewart, Brian Stewart
Executive producer: Sandra Campbell
Music: Jeff Rona
Editors: Rob Stewart, Michael Clarke, Jeremy Stuart, Rick Morden
Running time -- 89 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 10/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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