Proving the power of the documentary to gain an insight into the flipside of common preconceptions, Sharkwater aims to show a less commonly thought of side to these predators and why a harmonious life alongside them is a neccessity for nature. Director Rob Stewart, with thorough investigation, believes there is room for re-education:
Driven by passion fed from a life-long fascination with sharks, Stewart debunks historical stereotypes and media depictions of sharks as bloodthirsty, man-eating monsters and reveals the reality of sharks as pillars in the evolution of the seas. Filmed in visually stunning, high definition video, Sharkwater takes you into the most shark rich waters of the world, exposing the exploitation and corruption surrounding the world’s shark populations in the marine reserves of Cocos Island, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. In an effort to protect sharks, Stewart teams up with renegade conservationist Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Their unbelievable adventure together starts with a battle between the Sea Shepherd and shark poachers in Guatemala, resulting in pirate boat rammings, gunboat chases, mafia espionage, corrupt court systems and attempted murder charges, forcing them to flee for their lives.
From the trailer below, this looks to be visually amazing but, more than just great footage, a harrowing eye-opener into a barbaric world. Sahrkwater opens March 23rd.
