Impact Stories: The Island of the Shark: Guardians of Malpelo | Film 4

For the final screening from the Impact Stories series, we feature Bonus Shots".
With breathtaking underwater cinematography and raw storytelling, The Island of the Shark: Guardians of Malpelo immerses audiences in one of Earth’s last wild sanctuaries - capturing harrowing encounters with illegal fishing, powerful partnerships between conservationists and the Colombian Navy, and the deep emotional connection between humans and the ocean. Beyond its beauty, the film is a rallying cry—urging nations, divers, and everyday citizens alike to defend sharks before it’s too late.

Conversation will explore environmental storytelling, science communication, and the role of visual media in conservation action.

A Call to Protect Sharks Before It’s Too Late

At the heart of the film is Erika López, Executive Director of Biodiversity Conservation Colombia (BCC), whose extraordinary mission is to protect Colombia’s last stronghold for migratory sharks. López’s journey—from dive guide to fearless conservation leader—unfolds against the backdrop of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, one of the planet’s most biologically rich ecosystems.

Malpelo rises 4,000 meters from the ocean floor and hosts immense schools of hammerheads, silky sharks, whale sharks, and tuna. Yet despite its national park status, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to threaten this fragile ecosystem.

“Erika López is more than a conservationist,” says director Annie Crawley. “She is the heartbeat of Malpelo. Her courage, clarity of vision, and unwavering dedication inspired me to make this film.”

A Global Crisis: 200 Sharks Killed Every Minute

The release of The Island of the Shark comes at a crucial time. One-third of shark species now face extinction, and scientists estimate that more than 70% of oceanic sharks and rays have been fished from the ocean in the past 50 years. Every minute, more than 200 sharks are killed, the greatest threat they face is overfishing.

This film’s launch precedes CITES 2025, where global leaders will again focus on shark conservation. It aims to unite people across nations in a call to action—reminding viewers that ocean animals do not recognize borders and that protecting sharks protects entire marine ecosystems.

A Visual Journey of Hope and Resolve

With breathtaking underwater cinematography and raw storytelling, The Island of the Shark: Guardians of Malpelo immerses audiences in one of Earth’s last wild sanctuaries. Crawley captures harrowing encounters with illegal fishing, powerful partnerships between conservationists and the Colombian Navy, and the deep emotional connection between humans and the ocean.

Beyond its beauty, the film is a rallying cry—urging nations, divers, and everyday citizens alike to defend sharks before it’s too late.

Visit Impact Stories to learn more about the film series.

• 5:30 PM: Doors Open
• 6:00 – 8:30 PM: Screening and Discussion
  

• Discover new documentary work by Northwest filmmakers
• Engage directly with filmmakers in post-screening conversations
• Learn how documentaries are crafted for impact
• Connect with a community passionate about storytelling for change

For any questions related to the event, accessibility accommodations, or partnership inquiries, please contact: [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Communication Leadership