Last Sunday was the world premiere of “ Sea of Shadows ,” a documentary that aims to raise awareness about the endangered vaquita porpoise, an endemic species from the northern part of the California Gulf that is on the brink of extinction due to the illegal fishing of totoaba in the Sea of Cortez .
The film was screened at the Sundance Film Festival , one of the most important film festivals in the United States .
The documentary was directed by Richard Ladkani and featured the participation of Mexican journalist Carlos Loret de Mola , who has followed the status of the endangered species in the gulf of California for a long time, documenting corruption networks and organized crime organizations involved in the illegal trafficking of the totoaba marine fish .
Through a series of reports broadcast through the Televisa news channel “Despierta,” Carlos Loret de Mola paints a portrait of the criminal groups that benefit from the millionaire business of the illegal trade and distribution of totoaba swim bladder . In China , one killo of said ingredient can cost up to USD$100,000 .
Organizations such as Sea Sheperd and Elephant Action League also participated in the documentary.
According to Andrea Crosta, the organization director , the international trade of totoaba works very similarly to the illegal drug trade: There are specifit routes and corruption networks that involve at least three countries: Mexico, the United States, and China .
Crosta suggested that the Mexican government must act quickly to enforce the rule of law and arrest totoaba traffickers and buyers.
Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio , “Sea of Shadows” is part of the official selection at the 36th Sundance film festival , which will be held from January 24 to February 3 in Salt Lake City, U.S.
A jury of experts from 20 countries will grade 112 films and documentaries . The winners will be announced on February 2 .
“Sea of Shadows,” by Terra Mater Factual Studios , was acclaimed with a strong ovation at its world premiere.
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