Envoy: Shark Cull
Envoy: Shark Cull argues against the false narrative that sharks are out to get us. This documentary style film, narrated by Eric Banner, includes interviews from marine scientists, divers and environmental activists. A wide range of stakeholders were brought together, but unfortunately some key players were missing.
While the film starts strong it quickly divulges into propaganda. It's almost hypocritical in a sense as the first part of the film focuses on how biased the media is around sharks and ocean safety. A lot of the information is portrayed in a biased nature. The story telling essentially demonises governments without providing any balanced argument. It is disappointing to see the information presented in this way as it could have quite an influence if done correctly. Much of the information discussed is scientifically accurate but portrayed in such a nonsensical fashion that anyone with critical thought would distrust it. To add to this, there is a significant lack of discourse around the fact that shark nets are really a political mechanism to give people a sense of security.
The film goes on to discuss the Great Barrier Reef, which is an extremely complex ecosystem with equally complex management requirements. Small amounts of information have been plucked from the Great Barrier Reef Outlook report. While it’s clear this has been done to pull on the heart strings of the general public, it actually makes the argument seem weaker.
Each segment could have benefited from a reduction in content. The overall influence of the film would have been lifted by putting forward the arguments more efficiently. The audience will likely struggle to stay engaged for the over 140 minute run time.
If the agenda of the film really was to change the general public's opinion around sharks and therefore lead into a change in governing policies then a lot more information could have been included on the basic ecology of the species. The film falls into the trap that a lot of activism does, it looks for a big bag villain to fight against.
While the production of this film lacks in some integrity the intentions behind those interviewed and involved seem earnest. Each person is as passionate as they are experienced. Let’s hope this film works as a small step in the right direction.
