The size of a smaller theater at the Cannes film festival doesn’t affect the impact that a film can have on its audience. Sharkwater Extinction is a documentary detailing the shark fishing industry and the effects it has had on shark populations. The film was started by documentarian and conservationist Rob Stewart, who tragically died during filming essentially giving his life to spread awareness of this issue, and was finished by the Rob Stewart Foundation in collaboration with his family, director Sturla Gunnarsson and editor Nick Hector. Before the screening of this film, Stewart’s parents spoke on behalf of their son and his mission to spread awareness of shark poaching and marine life preservation as a whole. Not often does a film where the director passes during filming get finished, but those around him and those in the film industry worldwide felt the need to finish the film and spread his message.

Rob’s work in both communities around the world and cinematography have made great impacts on his viewers and on the shark population. His efforts in both fields have inspired people to join the cause and governments to change their preservation policies regarding shark finning. Rob’s film has been shown in various film festival around the world from Vancouver, Canada to now Cannes, France, helping to spread his message and his specialized work underwater. 

Watch the clip below to see the introduction given by Rob's parents and Patrice Theroux excutiv producer and Bruno Chatelin festival agent: