Film Night on Ocean Conservation

Film Night on Ocean Conservation

Dive into the world of ocean conservation at the documentary film night hosted by the Society for Conservation Biology's Global Marine Program at the 7th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC7: https://scbmarineprogram.org/meetings-imcc7/)!

Join us for an evening filled with inspiring documentaries and films that shed light on the beauty of our oceans and the importance of protecting them. Get ready to be amazed by stunning underwater footage and learn about the incredible efforts being made to preserve marine life. This in-person event is perfect for ocean lovers of all ages. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a community passionate about saving our oceans!

More details can be found here: https://www.xcdsystem.com/imcc/program/EP9fj4N/index.cfm?pgid=100

Learn more about IMCC7 here:

https://scbmarineprogram.org/meetings-imcc7/

Rise From the Cape Flats

Rise From the Cape Flats" is a film about how Shamier Magmoet, a Muslim man living in "the most dangerous community in South Africa," discovered the ocean after 35 years, just a short distance away from his community and how it changed his life. The film depicts how his diving in the "Great African Sea Forest," experiencing its "magical world of peace, beauty and life," devoid of the daily gunfire and violence he was used to, compelled him to protect it and inspire others to do the same. He now leads kids there to experience the ocean in order to both fall in love and want to protect it and learn to rise above difficulties with hard work.

SEE US

SEE US is a short film following two intrepid underwater explorers along South Africa's untamed coastline, revealing sanctuaries where sharks and rays seek refuge. Embarking on a journey of exploration with a team of marine conservationists, divemaster, Thandeka Hlongwa, and marine cinematographer, Steve Benjamin, take viewers along the coastline of South Africa, unveiling the vital sanctuaries that serve as havens for sharks and rays. Their adventure begins within Table Mountain National Park, a revered Marine Protected Area (MPA) nestled in the Western Cape and ends in the warmer waters of Aliwal Shoal MPA in KwaZulu-Natal. Their goal was to search for as many shark and ray species they could find, with a focus on locating threatened and endemic species that are only found in South Africa’s Ocean.

Ours Not Mine

Ours, Not Mine exposes heavy mineral sand mining on the West Coast of South Africa that entails the industrial-scale extraction of minerals such as zircon, ilmenite, rutile, magnetite and garnet (used in everyday products) from huge tracts of coastline between Columbine and the Orange River, including parts that are officially deemed Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas. Visually rich footage shows the biodiversity and splendour of a pristine wilderness. This is juxtaposed with the wasteland left behind for generations by mining companies from Australia, South Africa, China and others. Woven into a visually disturbing narrative are the stories of indigenous and local people affected by the mining, including elders from the Khoi Griqua people, who depend on the land and ocean for their livelihood. Directed by Bryan Little and produced by Ana-Filipa Domingues of Fly on the Wall Films, the film is a call to action to push the government into following the correct, legally binding procedures before granting licenses, such as environmental impact studies and fully comprehensive public participation. The film underlines that a destructive, single-use activity stifles efforts to find sustainable economic activities, such as agriculture, fisheries and nature-based tourism.

Wealth Untold

Wealth Untold is an original feature-length documentary which focuses on the role of women in leading efforts to protect the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second largest coral reef system in the world. It highlights the work of an inspiring, multigenerational group of women from various walks of life who are leading efforts to protect the reef from the ravages of climate change, invasive species, unsustainable fishing practices, and unfettered tourism and property development. The story is told entirely through the voices of the film’s protagonists without the intervention of an external narrator. In addition to 20+ Belizean characters, including the country’s prime minister, the film features Dr. Sylvia Earle. IMCC film night will include a sneak-peek look at the film which will have its world premiere at the Belize International Film Festival in November of this year.

Hofagie Laamle - One People One Reef

After Super Typhoon Maysak severely damaged the outer islands of Micronesia, community leader, Magul Rulmal, is determined to preserve and adapt their way of life. With the support of One People One Reef's scientists, including Nicole Crane, they are trailblazing a cutting-edge approach that combines Western science and traditional knowledge to steward their reefs and revitalize the atoll.

Older than Trees

This is a film about hope for the future of sharks and rays. The film tells the story of James Lea, a field biologist who grew up dreaming of sharks, enigmatic creatures of the deep. In his first few years as a field biologist, he fell in love with silky sharks in the Red Sea, where he interacted with them and learned their individual personalities. But in the space of just a few years he watched as almost each and every animal he had known was lost to overfishing. Feeling heartbroken and helpless, Lea resolved to use his expertise as a scientist to protect sharks in places where they still have a chance to thrive.

Older Than Trees highlights Lea’s work in the field and the success he’s contributed to in safeguarding these ancient species. Using both new and never-before-seen archival footage, the film takes us on an expedition around the world that showcases the critical role science plays in safeguarding vulnerable species like sharks and rays. ‘We rely on our oceans for food, livelihoods, climate regulation and our well-being, and sharks play many crucial roles in the stability of ocean systems. Increasingly, we risk losing this stability through intense overfishing; global shark populations have declined by more than 70%. Sharks really, really need our help,’ says Lea. ‘This is where the science comes in. Filling knowledge gaps about sharks and their behavior helps us to target conservation efforts, making sure they are as effective as possible.

Host or Publisher 7th International Marine Conservation Congress