Looking at the human fear of the shark, our responses and the impacts on sharks and other marine life the launch of the documentary Envoy: Shark Cull will give you a chance to look at the realities of the current approach to shark safety.
Launching the film this Wednesday 21 July Byron Rangers and Sea Shepherd Byron Bay are hosting a screening and live Q&A at Palace Cinemas.
The filmmakers boldly claim that any person who views the film – even people terrified of sharks – will become an advocate against the QLD and NSW shark control programs – such is the overwhelming level and gravity of evidence in the film.
‘We’re killing the doctors of the reef, the animals that keep the whole ecosystem in check,’ is one of the quotes from Envoy: Shark Cull.
According to the film makers along with a compelling body of proof, the film presents the in-depth knowledge and expertise from some of the biggest names in ocean conservation, with the support of some of Australia’s favourite A-listers, including Eric Bana and Layne Beachley.
They say that the film also documents the more recent developments including the government’s efforts to hide the facts about the shark netting and drumline program.
‘Its underhand efforts to continue culling endangered species in The Great Barrier Reef, officially a marine park, its deliberate ignoring of the recommendations of the 2017 Senate Inquiry, and the reality of how nets are actually luring predators closer to shore,’ they claim.
‘What makes the film special is the narrative that unfolded before us: a government gag order to stop us filming, a legal challenge against culling in the Federal Court of Australia, and shocking new scientific evidence,’ says filmmaker Andre Borell.
‘The biggest misconception people have toward the shark control program is that people think that it’s a physical barrier between them and the open ocean,’ states Holly Richmond, marine biologist.
The film points out that most of the general public hold a fear of sharks, and mistakenly believe that shark nets provide protection. They are not aware that ‘safe’ beaches are simply beaches with a small number of archaic fishing devices dotted around, nor of the monstrous cost to whales, dolphins, and turtles, as well as other precariously diminishing species, or the marine ecosystems of The Great Barrier Reef.
If you have a concern that taxpayer dollars are being wasted by the government on these programs, and a wish to understand how those same dollars might be contributing to the destruction of one of our most important tourist draw-cards, the Great Barrier Reef then come along and see Envoy: Shark Cull.
The film will have a limited run of three screenings: Get tickets at Palace Cinemas.
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