Where Sharks Belong
Lessons from Protected Waters
A documentary by Gillian Shark
About the film
Where Sharks Belong is a short documentary exploring what happens when sharks are protected — not just for the species itself but for entire marine ecosystems and the people connected to them.
Filmed in French Polynesia, the project offers a rare glimpse into what a balanced ocean can look like.
Rather than telling a story of loss, the film highlights a place where conservation has been sustained over time — and what that can teach us about the future of our oceans.
Why this film and why now?
Sharks play a critical role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, yet are widely misunderstood and under threat.
This film explores what happens when they are protected — and why that matters now more than ever.
The Setting: French Polynesia
Filmed in French Polynesia — home to one of the world’s largest shark sanctuaries and a rare example of long-term marine protection.
Support the Film
If you’d like to support the project at this early stage, you can do so here.
Every contribution helps make this film possible — from time in the water to bringing the story to life in post-production.
A larger crowdfunding campaign will follow as production progresses, but early support makes a real difference.
Gillian Shark is a Swiss award-winning shark photographer and educator based in Australia