On the Brink: Uncharted Waters explores the whale shark tourism industry in the Philippines. The documentary takes an in-depth look at different practices in various parts of the country where whale shark interactions have become a staple of the economy. The film poses the question: Do these practices promote conservation or exploitation?

Interview with Writer/Producer Neela Eyunni

Why did you make your film?

My film is about whale shark tourism in the Philippines. I traveled to the Philippines in March 2015 after seeing some amazing photos online of people swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu. Upon arrival, however, I discovered that the whale sharks were being fed from boats in order to keep them in shallow waters and extremely close to snorkelers and divers. I was left with a number of questions: What impact were these interactions having on the sharks? Was this really ecotourism? How do you balance conservation and industry in ecotourism? I created this documentary to answer those important questions. Shark tourism and ecotourism as a whole are industries with tremendous potential to benefit both people and wildlife, but practices need to be responsible and sustainable to make that happen.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

On the Brink: Uncharted Waters takes the audience on a journey to understand the complex industry of whale shark tourism in the Philippines. Even if audience members have never heard of a whale shark, people will be drawn into caring about these animals through moving underwater cinematography and the anthropomorphism of individual sharks. Viewers also see the human aspect of the issue, by looking at the industry through the lives of locals. The film is special in that it looks both at the plight of the whale sharks and the socioeconomic situation in various parts of the Philippines.

The audience will leave with a better understanding of the complicated ecotourism industry. With their newfound knowledge, audience members must ultimately decide what they themselves think is right and wrong regarding controversial practices, such as feeding whale sharks.

On the Brink: Uncharted Waters - The whale shark tourism industry has transformed Oslob, Cebu from a poverty-stricken town to a bustling municipality.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The human relationship with nature is a universal theme that is played out in On the Brink: Uncharted Waters.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

The concept for the film was born from my concern that whale sharks in some parts of the Philippines were being exploited. However, the documentary is a far cry from a doom and gloom conservation film. On the Brink: Uncharted Waters highlights places that are positive examples of ecotourism and people who have a deep respect for the ocean and marine life. On the Brink: Uncharted Waters sends a cautious yet optimistic message about the future.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been wonderful so far. One of my favorite parts of screening the film is getting to do a Q&A session with the audience afterwards. There are always so many insightful questions and also comments about people’s own experiences (both positive and negative) when it comes to ecotourism and wildlife interactions.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

As a journalist, it was important to me that the film was objective and as unbiased as possible. The goal of On the Brink: Uncharted Waters is to spark a dialogue about how to balance the needs of people and the protection of wildlife. People may walk away from the film with different ideas about what to prioritize or even different opinions on what is ethical. The whole point is to present all the information and get them thinking.

On the Brink: Uncharted Waters - Whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu are lured into shallow waters by feeder boats, making it easier for tourists to interact with them.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

The film is not just for entertainment. It carries an important message about conservation. For this reason, it is paramount to reach as many people as possible.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We are currently looking for distributors, so that we can reach a broader audience with the film.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

On a large scale, I would like this film to raise awareness about how our actions as humans are affecting wildlife and the environment. I would also like people to leave with the message that as individuals their choices and actions really do matter when it comes to conservation. Individuals can and do make a difference.

Regarding our impact in the Philippines——

On the Brink: Uncharted Waters has an official partnership with the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines. We are working with the NGO to educate people about responsible marine wildlife interactions. The film is also a tool to prompt new national legislation in the Philippines to regulate interactions with not only whale sharks but also turtles, dolphins and whales.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

When does conservation and education turn to exploitation?

How can you balance conservation and industry in ecotourism?

On the Brink: Uncharted Waters - Marine conservationists argue that whale sharks are being conditioned to follow boats in Oslob, Cebu, putting them in danger from propeller strikes and poachers.

Would you like to add anything else?

Our website www.onthebrinkdocumentary.com has a “Take Action” tab. Here people can learn more about what it means to be a responsible ecotourist. There are many helpful and easy tips. People can also sign a petition to support the creation of legislation that would regulate marine wildlife interactions in the Philippines.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

On the Brink: Uncharted Waters is being used as an educational tool. We are working with Dr. AA Yaptinchay, founder of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, to educate the public about sustainable tourism practices and how to leave a positive impact on travel destinations rather than damaging them. As mentioned above, we are also using the film to prompt new national legislation in the Philippines to regulate interactions with not only whale sharks but also turtles, dolphins and whales.

We recently screened at The Mind Museum in Manila, Philippines. The event included a discussion panel involving top marine experts and conservationists in the country. It is also important for us to get our message of sustainable and responsible ecotourism out globally. In addition to screenings in the Philippines, On the Brink: Uncharted Waters has been shown for educational purposes at universities and institutes, including Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Harvard. Both screenings have involved in-depth discussions about how to improve the ecotourism industry and how to leave a positive impact when traveling.

Interview: October 2016

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We are moving stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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On the Brink: Uncharted Waters

Length: 54:38

Director: Vincent Soberano

Producer: Neela Eyunni, Ginggay Hontiveros, Gabriel Malvar

Writer: Neela Eyunni

NEELA EYUNNI-WRITER, PRODUCER

13 years of experience in print and broadcast journalism. Extensive experience in news reporting and anchoring. Conservationist and wildlife campaigner. Documentary filmmaker and founder of Roja Earth Productions. Currently serving as Director of Communication for The Prusten Project (tiger conservation NGO).

GINGGAY HONTIVEROS, PRODUCER

She is the owner/co-producer of The Extra Mile Tri-Media Productions. Produced the travel series “Islands Insider,” which aired on the National Geographic Channel (Philippines). The Extra Mile also produced the documentary “Fields of Hope.”

GABRIEL MALVAR, PRODUCER

He is a co-producer of The Extra Mile Tri-Media Productions . Directed “Islands Insider,” which aired on the National Geographic Channel (Philippines) and the award-winning film “Fields of Hope.”

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): DISTRIBUTORS!

Made in association with: Credits— Roja Earth Productions in Association with The Extra Mile Productions

Release date: completion date Dec. 2015, first screened March 2016, no distribution yet