Press Release: Rob Stewart's Sharkwater Extinction--Premiering at TIFF -In Theaters Nationwide October 5, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER ROB STEWART, SHARKWATER EXTINCTION TO CELEBRATE 

WORLD PREMIERE AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 

Highly anticipated final feature from late filmmaker will open in theatres nationwide on October 5th.  

Toronto – August 1, 2018 –Sharkwater Extinction, from award-winning director Rob Stewart, will celebrate its world premiere at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival and open in theatres across Canada on October 5th. 

Sharkwater Extinction is a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Sharkwater, Stewart’s first film, which brought the devastating issue of shark finning to the world stage. Sharkwater Extinction is a thrilling and inspiring action-packed journey. Stewart continues his courageous crusade through the oceans and across four continents to investigate the corruption behind a multi-billion-dollar pirate fishing trade and massive illegal shark fin industry. From West Africa, Spain, Panama, Costa Rica, France, and even North America, Stewart exposes the shocking truth that is leading to the extinction of our oldest remaining predator and ultimately to the destruction of our planet.

 

Both Sharkwater(2007) and Stewart’s second film Revolution(2012) had world premieres at TIFF before going on to international acclaim. Sharkwater and Revolution are still to this day the number 1 and 3 Canadian documentaries of the last 15 years. They have been awarded more than 70 international awards and viewed by over 125 million people.

In January 2017, while shooting Sharkwater Extinction, Rob Stewart tragically passed away during a dive off the Florida Keys. The world was stunned by the loss of one of the most influential activists of our time.  Rob risked everything in a tireless effort to educate, preserve and defend the oceans. His impact and sacrifice are beyond measure and the producers along with a talented group of filmmakers, editors and loyal Sharkwater supporters felt compelled to continue his work and ensure the film was completed.

 Award-winning editor Nick Hector was given the daunting task of sifting through Rob’s copious hours of footage and reams of detailed notes to create a final cut of Sharkwater Extinction. His efforts were supported by award-winning documentary filmmaker Sturla Gunnarsson who acted as a consultant to the team.

“Rob spent his life defending the oceans and sharks - determined to change the world. We believe his work will continue to do so,” said Brian and Sandy Stewart. “Rob had a magical way of connecting with audiences and this film is one more step in his mission to inspire action in the important fight to protect this planet for generations to come. We are pleased that Sharkwater Extinction, like Rob’s previous films, will launch at TIFF before rolling out to audiences around the world.”

SHARKWATER EXTINCTION was made possible with the financial support of Canada Media Fund, Ontario Media Development Corporation, Rogers Documentary Fund, Telefilm Canada and Prime Video. A Bell Media Original Documentary, the film was commissioned by The Movie Network (TMN) and Super Écran. D Films Corp will distribute the film in Canada.

Thank you for reading this 

Sincerely

Anthony Nadeau