Canadian Filmmaker Tests the Waters

Rob Stewart, the young Canadian filmmaker, rose to international acclaim following the release of his enviro-doc Sharkwater. This film had the largest opening weekend of any Canadian documentary. Pre-shark filming days, Rob was a successful wildlife photographer. On a trip to photograph in the Galapagos, Rob came across an illegal long lining operation that was indiscriminately killing sharks within a protected marine area.

This tapped into Robs eco-senses and motivated him to bring public awareness to the abuse these wild sharks. Sharkwater is the culmination of his efforts. What was intended to be a beautiful wildlife documentary took a huge turn when the real-life drama that Rob and his crew encountered forced them to become a part of the film. A story of corruption, espionage, attempted murder and mafia rings emerges from this young man's attempt at raising awareness for marine conservation.

Sharkwater won Rob more than thirty film awards and prompted him to write a novel based on the same experience. Still in his early twenties, Rob is an example of passion and tenacity. He is currently working on his second film.

By Allison Smith

Allison Smith
		About the author:
		Allison is a graduate student at Ryerson University in Toronto and the Green Editor for WOMAN.ca. She is a sometimes journalist who digs music and adventures. Her weaknesses include vegetarian food, men with beards and Ontario wines. She can be seen cruising the city on her bicycle, sipping organic coffee and dining at restaurants she can't afford. To Allison, the green movement has everything to do with moving towards a more natural way of life.
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