A new film exploring the reality of the illegal fishing trade in the world’s most over-fished ocean is heading to Penzance for its UK premiere (12th August).

The film, called ‘Before the Last Octopus’, follows a group of international conservationists racing to protect octopuses from illegal fishing, revealing a hidden world at sea and the power of collective action.

How it started…

The story of ‘Before the Last Octopus’ comes from Penzance based director Robbie Newby, who has worked with Sea Shepherd Global for a decade. It all started when he stepped aboard a conservation ship in Mexico.

He explains, “I saw whales, sharks and turtles I’d dreamt of seeing all my life… trapped in illegal nets, many taking their last breath. The crew were working in brutal conditions, day after day, determined to protect our oceans. Those are the stories I feel compelled to tell.”

With ‘Before the Last Octopus’, his aim is to give a voice to the octopus, the marine life affected by illegal fishing, the legal fishermen whose livelihoods are under threat, and the volunteers dedicating their lives to protecting our seas.

“Unless you go to sea or look beneath the surface, it’s impossible to know what’s really happening. I hope this film provides valuable insight and the chance to think differently about our oceans.”

The film 

The Mediterranean Sea, thought to be the most overfished sea on the planet, is under enormous pressure from illegal fishing. In Greece, illegal octopus fishing threatens an entire species and Sea Shepherd were asked to help.

Working with legal, artisanal fisherman, local authorities and scientific parties, they have been working in northern Greece for three years. Removing illegal traps and freeing octopuses, while removing and recycling the plastic traps.

Robbie said “The campaign was a massive team effort. Good relationships have been formed with legal fisherman, scientists, port authorities to name but a few. Volunteers from Greece were joined by others from all over the world. There was a real sense of rolling up sleeves and getting stuck-in. The results are tangible too.”

So why Penzance for the premiere? And what does he hope we all take away from the film?

“I spend a lot time of snorkelling in Cornwall. No matter how serene, beautiful or dramatic the ocean’s surface is, it fascinates me how – by wearing a mask and peeking underneath – the underwater environment is vastly different. I hope the film inspires people to go and explore, see sea creatures in their habitats, or at least consider and appreciate where they come from. “

Watch the trailer…

Meet the speakers

Hosted by Sustainable Penzance, the evening includes talks and a Q&A with Newby himself, marine biologist Prof. Heather Koldewey and photographer Jethro Haynes.

If you’ve not come across them before, here’s a little more info about who they are:

Robbie Newby: 

For the past 10 years, Robbie has worked with Sea Shepherd Global, using film to give a voice to creatures whose stories would otherwise remain untold, and to the ecosystems threatened by human activity.

He’s since documented conservation campaigns across the Mediterranean, America and Antarctica, capturing both the beauty of the oceans and the realities they face.

Heather Koldewey: 

Heather is Head of Ocean and FAIRER Conservation at the Zoological Society of London, an Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter and a National Geographic Explorer.

For decades she has worked at the intersection of science and conservation, helping to protect marine life around the world and co-founding the internationally recognised charity Project Seahorse.

Jethro Haynes: 

Jethro is a visual artist and photographer based in West Cornwall, specialising in underwater and macro imagery.

His love of all creatures and conservation philosophy will be shared in his talk, accompanied by an incredible selection of subaquatic images he’s captured from around the Cornish coast.

Get your tickets

With tickets now on sale (and selling fast!), you can get yours, right here.

As part of the project, 50% of all ticket sales will be donated to Sea Shepherd Global, supporting their conservation work across the world’s oceans.

Don’t miss the solar eclipse…

On the evening of the screening, there’s a partial solar eclipse, with the maximum eclipse taking place at around 7.00pm.

And, because we love celebrating the majesty of nature and all its incredible spectacles, we thought it was too special an opportunity to miss!

That’s why we’ve adjusted the schedule to give everyone the chance to experience this remarkable event before joining us for the film.

If you’d like to watch the eclipse with us, some of the team involved in organising the event will be gathering from 6.45pm on the area known as The Triangle (just to the left of Jubilee Pool), and we’d love to see you there.

Afterwards, we’ll head over to The Ritz for pre-show drinks, before the event begins promptly at 8.00pm.

Your chance to get involved

Once the screening is done, the fun isn’t over: come and get involved in our animation workshop on 19th August at The Gardeners’ House in Penzance.

During this session, you’ll learn more about the film, as well as get the chance to make your very own animation.

No experience needed – we’ll be joined by animation and illustration experts. So just bring your curiosity, your ideas and be ready to think differently about the future!

Suitable for all ages. Secure your spot and find out more, here.