Matt, an Aussie ex-pat who embodies the truth that good journalism can be an effective check on power, investigates illegal trawling in an attempt to reveal the extent of the problem. He travels around the region to locate where the illegal trawlers are based, where the markets are that sell endangered seahorses, and to search for the officials who profit from the resource exploitation on the Gulf of Thailand. During his investigation, he learns about Paul and his work.
Paul, and the organization he created, Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC), patrol their local waters for Vietnamese airboats, pair trawlers, and Cambodian electrified trawlers. Paul’s ultimate goal is to create a marine conservancy to provide much needed habitat for the local seahorses and fish populations to rejuvenate. The only thing standing in his way are a handful of corrupt officials and a culture not familiar with the problems facing their oceans. Through Paul’s work with the government, the local officials that care, and other passionate Khmer people, Cambodia’s second marine conservation area is approved and MCC is officially granted authority to patrol it
Like in many other countries, working in Cambodia can be dangerous and sometimes feel futile. Will Paul and Matt be able to slow the pillaging of the ocean, or is it possible that their work will inspire a new generation of Khmer to get involved?
Directed by Christopher Smith.
Produced by Stephanie Lincoln.
Executive Producers – Bronwyn Cornelius, Julian Cautherley, Annie Chang, Johnny Chang, Calvin Choong, Peter Wong, Emma Lee and Timur Bekbosunov.
This project is fully funded by ACE Pictures.
OFFICIAL SELECTIONS:
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2020 (PREMIERE)
Dallas EarthXFilm Film Festival 2020 (WINNER – IMPACT AWARD)
Garden Route International Film Festival (WINNER – BEST DOCUMENTARY)
Mountainfilm Festival 2020 (WINNER – STUDENT CHOICE AWARD)
Woodshole Film Festival 2020 (WINNER – FORTITUDE IN FILMMAKING AWARD)
Bergen Film Festival 2020
Braunschweig Film Festival 2020
Brooklyn Film Festival 2020
Crested Butte Film Festival 2020
DC Environmental Film Festival 2020
DocLands Film Festival 2020
Filmfestival Kitzbuehel 2020
Florida Film Festival 2020
Freeland Film Festival 2020
Girona Film Festival 2020
Human Rights Festival Berlin 2020
Kansas International Film Festival 2020
Nevada City Film Festival 2020
Port Townsend Film Festival 2020
RAB Film Festival 2020
OFFICIAL TRAILER