Vincent Maraval's production company, Goodfellas, has acquired the worldwide sales rights to the Galapagos adventure documentary, 'Lions of the Sea.' The film, directed by Ecuadorian explorer-filmmaker Luis Felipe Fernandez-Salvador, also known as Jamaicanoproblem, recently completed principal photography in the Galapagos Islands. 'Lions of the Sea' follows the journey of a young sea lion as it struggles to survive in the face of food scarcity and the loss of its mother at the hands of illegal fishermen.
Fernandez-Salvador describes the film as a 'fictional account grounded in science' and aims to shed light on the numerous challenges that plague the Galapagos Islands. These challenges include climate change, over-fishing, and other factors that have contributed to a significant decline in the sea lion population, estimated at around 60%. Having spent a lifetime visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site, Fernandez-Salvador considers the Galapagos Islands his personal paradise and hopes that his film will bring attention to these urgent issues.
Joining forces with lead producer Adam Leipzig, former president of National Geographic Documentary Films, and co-producer Mido De Santi, Fernandez-Salvador assembled a team of acclaimed industry professionals. The team includes executive producer Guillermo Navarro, the Oscar-winning cinematographer behind 'Pan's Labyrinth,' editor Hervé Schneid of 'Amélie' fame, and sound designer Nicolas Becker, known for his work on 'Sound of Metal.' The film will also feature a compelling musical score composed by Nicolas Becker and Quentine Sirjacq.
For the underwater sequences, the production enlisted the skills of renowned cinematographers Jeff B. Hester, Dan Beecham, Jenny Baumert, and Santiago Cabral. Equipped with state-of-the-art gear, such as drones, underwater sea scooters, and tow cams, the technical crew, which included digital imaging technician Jota Salazar and advance unit cameraman Joshua Vela, captured stunning imagery that exceeded the original script's expectations.
Leipzig, who played a significant role in National Geographic's acquisition of the critically acclaimed documentary 'March of the Penguins,' believes that 'Lions of the Sea' has the potential to inspire audiences worldwide through its emotional and entertaining connection with Galapagos sea lions and other creatures. He hopes that the film will encourage people to care for and protect the environment.
Despite facing challenges during production, including a state of emergency declared in Ecuador due to violence, the dedicated crew persevered. Fernandez-Salvador recalls weeks without obtaining the desired shots of the animals due to various factors. However, he expresses gratitude that the disruptions occurred towards the end of the shoot, minimizing the impact on the production.
The multinational production of 'Lions of the Sea' is led by Fernandez-Salvador's Paracas Independent Films, in collaboration with Amaxona Studios (Canada), Keaf Production (Ecuador), Cinema Libre (France), Sunyata Films (Belgium), and Mescalito Films (Italy). Post-production, helmed by producer Chadi Abo ('The Matrix Reloaded,' '300'), is set to commence this month.
Looking ahead, Fernandez-Salvador is already preparing for his next project, 'Bananaland,' which he plans to shoot across Ecuador in 2025. The introduction of a tax credit incentive, offering a 37% benefit for both local and foreign shoots, is expected to be in place by then, further facilitating the production process.
'Lions of the Sea' is a significant undertaking that combines talented filmmakers, cutting-edge technology, and a powerful story to create a thought-provoking documentary. With its immersive storytelling and breathtaking visuals, the film aims to raise awareness about the environmental challenges faced by the Galapagos Islands and inspire audiences worldwide to take action. Stay tuned for updates on this remarkable project as it moves into post-production and prepares for its anticipated release.
