Los tiburones ballena de Papúa - Carlos Villoch

Author´s place of origin: Bizkaia.
Location of filming: West Papua (Indonesia).
Running time: 9 minutes.
Language: Spanish.
Official Selection.

In the remote waters of Papua, the whale shark has altered its age-old nomadic behaviour. Attracted by the baganes (traditional fishing platforms), these giants gather to feed on the fish concentrated beneath artificial lights. By replacing their natural swimming pattern with an unusual vertical suction movement, they have created a new, temporary ecosystem alongside fishermen and dolphins. This coexistence allows divers to witness a fragile balance, a far cry from the chaotic mass tourism found in other destinations. The documentary explores this unusual relationship, reminding us that the difference between conservation and exploitation depends entirely on our decisions.