Faka’apa’apa – trailer

FESCH.TV INFORMIERT:

Scott Sporleder, Director. Caz Tanner and Doree Simon, Producers. World Premiere at the 2021 WCFF.

SYNOPSIS:
The latest documentary from the Matador Network and Blue Latitudes Foundation
team, tells the story of an unlikely partnership which has formed among the people of Tonga and the humpback whales that travel there each year to breed and give birth. In the years since Tonga banned whale hunting, the practice of taking tourists to swim with humpback whales has become central to the local economy. Ecotourism, when carried out correctly, can relieve pressure on natural
ecosystems while still driving the local economy, and unlike traditional tourism, ecotourism incorporates aspects of conservation into the business plan, with the understanding that preserving the ecosystem
is critical to the success of the business.

But will this new form of ecotourism be sustainable? What would happen if one year, due to threats such as climate change, tourism pressure or marine pollution, the whales didn’t come back? That is the question we set out to answer, from exploring the intricate cultural relationship these animals share with the Tongan people, to understanding the current political climate within Tonga when it comes to the issuance of foreign tourism licenses. However, we soon learned that the answer to our question wasn’t as clear cut as we thought. This film tells the story of Tonga’s new generation of eco-warriors and conservationists, who work to protect the

The WCFF mission is to inform, engage and inspire wildlife conservation through the power of film.

WCFF celebrates our eleven year anniversary in New York, October 14-24, 2021 at the Cinema Village Theater and other venues. Ten days of film screenings, panel discussions, networking, receptions, field trips, workshops and more.

Over 100 international documentary films to be screened. Many World and north America Premieres. Filmmakers, scientists, photographers and conservationists will be in attendance to engage the audience, discuss the films and their projects across the globe.

If you are not able to attend the WCFF in person you can have it brought to you. Subscribe to the WCFF Channel. The 2021 WCFF will also have a virtual program that will start on November 1 through December 1.

For more information to attend, become a media partner or sponsor, contact: info@wcff.org or 917-558-5205

DISCOUNT All Access Film Festival Pass: brownpapertickets.com/event/5119346

Purchase tickets for this film scheduled during Series 4 on Friday, October 15