Five Questions for Filmmakers: Treasures from the Tides

We reached out to our festival filmmakers to ask them five questions about the experience of making their films.

Treasures From the Tides Trailer from Jackson Wild on Vimeo.

What inspired this story?

​Producer Catherine Brookes: Conservation at the community level allows people and wildlife to thrive alongside one another and is vital in the protection of our planet. I wanted to tell a story that perfectly exemplified the positive impacts that such initiatives can create. When I first learnt about the work of this amazing all-female sea turtle conservation team, I knew their story had to be shared. The results of their efforts have not come easy and their journey to running a successful sea turtle hatchery is compelling, inspirational and a story that I hoped would resonate with a wide audience.

Photo courtesy of Treasures from the Tides

What impact do you hope this film will have?

CB: As awareness rises about the devastating impacts that ocean plastics and climate change are having on our marine species, a lesser-known threat is often overlooked. This film aims to shed light on the vast-scale issue that is the poaching of sea turtle eggs, as well as giving recognition to an incredibly dedicated team of conservationists. This community has found a successful formula that is benefitting both their people and their wildlife. I hope this film can inspire more charities and NGOs to replicate this model worldwide. I also hope to encourage and empower more women to break stereotypes and pursue their passions. This film has given Barra de Santiago's women a chance to speak out about their experiences and shed light on the importance of women in science and conservation.

What drove you as a filmmaker to focus on our oceans and marine life?

​CB: This is a critical time for preserving our oceans and marine life. The world's oceans and the delicately balanced ecosystems within them are essential to life on earth. The rate at which they are being depleted and polluted is alarming. Raising awareness about the threats facing our marine environment is an important step in its protection, and storytelling through the medium of film is a powerful tool for spreading conservation messages. As a biologist who has long been captivated by the ocean and its wildlife, I was excited to create something that could inspire a deeper interest in marine conservation in others.

Photo courtesy of Treasures from the Tides

Photo courtesy of Treasures from the Tides