About the film
Sea of Shadows follows environmental activists, the Mexican Navy, marine scientists and undercover investigators trying to save the vaquita, the smallest whale in the world. Their work includes pulling gillnets and studying the animal as cartels and Chinese organized crime pursue totoaba swim bladders. Richard Ladkani’s documentary was released in 2020 and runs 1 h 44 min.
It was made across the United States, Austria and Australia in English and Spanish.
Saving the vaquita
Sea of Shadows follows environmental activists, the Mexican Navy, marine scientists and undercover investigators working to prevent the vaquita’s extinction. The small porpoise is the film’s central animal and the smallest whale in the world.
Their efforts include removing gillnets, carrying out research and confronting the illegal trade in totoaba swim bladders, which is damaging the vaquita’s habitat.
A 2020 documentary in two languages
Richard Ladkani directed Sea of Shadows, with Walter Köhler as producer. The film was released in 2020 and runs 1 h 44 min.
It is associated with the United States, Austria and Australia, and uses English and Spanish.
Environment and animals
The film belongs to the 2020s and centers on environmental damage and animals.
It won the Sundance World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary.
Who it is for
- Viewers interested in endangered marine animals
- Classes covering conservation and environmental crime
- Libraries building an environmental documentary collection
Who might skip it
- Skip it if cartel violence or species extinction is not suitable for the audience.
- Skip it if a shorter film is needed; this one runs 1 h 44 min.
Worth knowing
- Focuses on the endangered vaquita, the smallest whale in the world.
- Brings activists, scientists, the Mexican Navy and investigators together.
- Won the Sundance World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary.
- Runs 1 h 44 min and uses English and Spanish.
Before you press play
- Deals with cartel and Chinese mafia activity.
- Centers on the vaquita, damaged ocean habitats and the totoaba trade.
- Its subject matter may be difficult for some wildlife viewers.
The short of it
Sea of Shadows is a feature-length documentary about the vaquita and the people trying to protect it. Its story connects marine research and conservation work with the criminal trade threatening the animal’s habitat. The film suits viewers who want environmental documentaries with an investigative thread, as well as teachers and librarians looking for a film about endangered species and ocean destruction.
Awards on record
- Sundance World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary
What viewers ask
- What is Sea of Shadows about?
- It follows activists, the Mexican Navy, marine scientists and undercover investigators trying to save the vaquita from extinction and remove gillnets from its habitat.
- Who directed Sea of Shadows?
- Richard Ladkani directed the film. Walter Köhler produced it.
- How long does Sea of Shadows run?
- The documentary runs 1 h 44 min.
- What languages are spoken in the film?
- Sea of Shadows uses English and Spanish.
- Where can I watch Sea of Shadows?
- The supplied details do not name a viewing service or a free screening location.
- What subjects does the film cover?
- Its subjects are the environment and animals, with a focus on the vaquita and damage to ocean habitats.