New documentary 'The Last Shark' aims to rid oceans of shark culling nets
In 2021, The Last Shark team began documenting the disappearance of Great White Sharks off the coast of South Africa, as well as the ongoing use of shark culling nets in Kwazulu-Natal. These nets tragically claim the lives of at least 20 to 30 of these critically endangered animals every year, as well as hundreds of other species trapped in the process. It's astonishing to think that, despite being the first country to grant them legal protection in 1991, this continues.
The documentary's goal is to change how people perceive sharks, and to shed light on their rapidly declining population. Our mission is to advocate for a change in government policies by urging the substitution of shark culling nets with advanced technologies that ensure the safety of both sharks and humans.
Considering the global Great White shark population hovers between 3,000 - 5,000 it's a pressing issue, and the time for action is now.
We are extending a warm invite to join us for the free screenings. The director and producer, Frankie Chipparoni, will make personal appearances at screenings in Cape Town, Mossel Bay, George, Plettenberg Bay, and Algoa Bay, with numerous concurrent screenings scheduled in Durban throughout the year. The screenings offer an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and conversations with the documentary's director, producer, and like-minded individuals who share your passion. This event presents a valuable chance to learn more about this crucial topic and discuss the significance of sharks in our ecosystem.
For those of you unable to make the screenings around South Africa, the documentary is scheduled to go live on The Last Shark Documentary website in early 2024. It will be free to the public to view the movie there. Moreover we are open to collaborations with any organizations or individuals wanting to host their own screenings of the documentary, feel free to contact us for any details or queries at thelastsharkdoc@gmail.com.
This documentary has been extremely special to create. Everyone who has been a part of the film, including the director, producer, editor, original sound composers, marketing team and events managers- have been working completely voluntarily in order to tell this story.
We have also designed and produced The LastShark merch. All proceeds will go directly to continued shark education, conservation and research.