Sea of Shadows

synopsis

A fierce struggle for the preservation of an ecosystem is taking place in the Gulf of California. A Mexican drug cartel had discovered the so-called “sea cocaine” – a rare fish called totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) that has become the central article of the multi-million-dollar business with the Chinese mafia. To hunt these fish, the criminals use illegal nets, killing other animals, including the smallest whale in the world, the highly endangered vaquita. The dramatic documentary thriller shows the fierce fight of undercover investigators, environmentalists, journalists, and the Mexican Navy in an attempt to save the vaquita from extinction at the last minute.

"By illuminating the problem through cinematic storytelling while offering solutions and captivating heroes with a cause, I hope to help save our this ecosystem, which is on the verge of total collapse" R. Ladkani  

biography

Richard Ladkani (1973) is a recognized director and cinematographer. His distinctive “fly-on-the-wall” style and a direct connection with his film protagonists have earned him numerous international awards. His film The Ivory Game (2016) was shortlisted for an Academy Award Oscar. For Malaika Pictures, he produces films that show and reflect the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

more about film

director:	Richard Ladkani
producer:	Walter Köhler, Wolfgang Knöpfler
editing:	Georg Michael Fischer, Verena Schönauer
music:	H. Scott Salinas
sound:	Roland Winkler

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