When humpback whales migrating between Alaska and Hawaii become entangled in marine debris, a small network of well-trained volunteer rescuers risk their lives to save them.
Shot almost entirely on research cameras mounted on the helmets of rescuers themselves, this short documentary takes you into the boat within close range of the struggling whales.
The effort is led by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's Ed Lyman. He's the marine mammal response manager responsible for recruiting and training volunteers from Hawaii's local communities.
16:30 Minutes
Executive Producers:
Mark DiOrio
Mara Kerr
Written and Directed by:
Lou Douros
Music:
Blaise Douros
Akua Films uncovers great stories about everyday places, people and creatures.
Not every film is created in the customary way. Sometimes great moments happen when you least expect them. And that's why we consider every kind of media when we begin research.
We are also a group that loves the outdoors. And so, you'll most often find us where there is natural wonder or unspeakable beauty, a perilous struggle for life or a new, interesting way to experience the planet and its inhabitants.
We produce films with budgets of many shapes and sizes. Akua is made up of creative minds and business minds, alike. Sometimes our aim is to distribute through a film festival, other times it's web delivery.
We are open to partnerships with other producers and agencies, clients and distributors for anything from creative support to finding an audience for work that fits our objectives and strategic interests.
Contact us for more information about work in our queue, or concepts that keep you awake at night.
8.31.2010
Grass Valley filmmaker Lou Douros scored an award in his first shot at making a documentary.
Douros' short film, In the Wake of Giants, won the award for Best National Marine Sanctuary Short at the BLUE Ocean Film Festival in Monterey, organizers said.
The 16-minute film showcases the efforts of rescuers in the waters off Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary as they perform risky maneuvers to free the giant creatures from trash they encounter during their annual migration from Alaska. It premiered last weekend in Monterey.
We didn't know we'd won until they announced the film's name at the awards ceremony, Douros said. We were there to see how we stacked up against the other films, and we did pretty well.
Douros worked on the film with son Blaise, a 25-year-old Nevada Union High School graduate, who wrote the musical score. His company, Akua Films, entered two other categories in the film festival: Best original score and emerging underwater filmmaker.
I think the audience really responded to his musical collaboration with Blaise, Douros said.
When the contestants for best score were announced, we got a huge cheer for the film's trailer, he said, but Disney's epic documentary, Oceans, won in that category.
We really were in the wake of giants for that one, Douros said.
The film may be entered into Nevada City's Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, which runs in January, he said.
We got to do a little networking in Monterey, Douros said. We were approached to maybe begin working on a series of one-hour documentaries taking a look at other stories out there like this one.
To contact Staff Writer Kyle Magin, e-mail kmagin_theunion.com or call (530) 477-4239.
July 28, 2010
July 22, 2010
Don't try this at home.
Whale rescue is complex and dangerous for the whale rescuers as well as the animal. For this reason Network response to entangled whales, involving any close approach (closer than 100 yards) to the animal, may only be attempted by authorized persons working under NOAA Fisheries MMHSRP permit who are experienced, trained, knowledgeable, and have proper support and equipment.
The network was formed in 2002 in an attempt to free endangered humpback whales and other marine animals from life threatening entanglements and at the same time gather valuable information that will help mitigate the issue of marine debris and future entanglements.
Can't be in the boat?
That's not a problem. You can still help the Network of people who respond at a moment's notice to free large whales from ocean debris. Click here to make a tax-deductible financial contribution.
It is through supporters like you that the Large Whale Entanglement Network will ensure safe passage for these spectacular mammals.
Your gift provides:
• Boat repairs
• Fuel
• Whale-safe knife blades
• Training materials
• Tracking equipment
• Research and development
• Operational expenses
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's Benjamin LaCour discusses how the various tools are used once an entangled whale is reported. Many of these tools are custom made specifically for large marine mammal rescue.
Akua Films
Monterey, CA
Tel: 408-482-8228
Email: akuafilms_gmail.com
