CASE STUDY: DEATH AT SEA
An investigative short documentary (1 x 23 minutes)
CREATIVE APPROACH & PROCESS
Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) collaborated with Sunline to develop a film investigating the untimely death of fisheries observer Eritara Aati Kaierua aboard the WIN FAR 636 vessel and bring the family’s grievances to light. Equally important for Sunline was to highlight the plight of other Pacific fisheries observers and fishers to demonstrate that Eritara’s story was far from uncommon.
2 Months
Development: Research & Funding
Development of funding materials alongside HRAS, including concept note and ‘meet the team’ video. Funding secured from Blue Marine Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and Sustainable Communities & Fisheries Trust. Coordination with the Kaierua family and case study review alongside fisheries and legal experts.
2 Months
Pre-Production: Scheduling & Logistics
Development of production shoot schedule, risk assessment, and Fiji country permissions. Coordination of flights and accommodation for 4-person crew and Kaierua family to Fiji as a film permit for original shooting location (Kiribati) was not possible.
1 Month
Production
Production management across 3-week shoot in Suva, Fiji, involving a 4-person crew and 2 main contributors. The team worked with our amazing fixer, Save, to gain trust of the local community and fisheries observers on the island.
4 Months
Post-Production: Editing
The original 13-minute film was edited by the director, Sara Pipernos, and assistant editor, Alex Blogg. HRAS then commissioned a longer 23-minute version, which included bespoke composition.
2+ Years
Impact Campaign
Run by the film’s director, Sara Pipernos. The impact campaign included building a website (www.deathatseafilm.com), global film tour, and direct government and industry advocacy.
DELIVERABLES
Short Documentary (1x23)
A cinematic documentary that chronicles the life and death of fisheries observer Eritara Aati Kaierua through the eyes of the family he left behind.
Trailer
Development of a 2-3 minute trailer. The trailer premiered at the House of Lords in the Palace of Westminster in London 2023.
Impact Campaign
A full-scale impact campaign aimed to achieve justice for Eritara’s family and increase safety protections for fisheries observers globally, sponsored by The Fishmongers Company.
IMPACT
The film has screened internationally for UN and state officials, civil society, academics, industry leaders, and policymakers across 4 continents. Such awareness has contributed to an adopted measure at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission that increases safety standards for fisheries observers at sea. The impact campaign was recognised with a Maritime Media Award for its contributions to global policy change. Visit www.deathatseafilm.com to learn more.
Screenings
USA: Colby College, Environmental Studies Lecture Series
London, UK: Everyman Kings Cross, in partnership with SOAS University of London
NYC, USA: Caveat NYC, hosted by activist and comedian Abby Govindan
London, UK: Seafish Seafood Ethics Action Alliance
Bangkok, Thailand: Closed-door human rights workshop with ASEAN and German government officials, supported by the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law
Awards & Festivals
National student award: Royal Television Society
Nomination: Jackson Wild Media Awards
Official selection: Festival de Films Pêcheurs du Monde (March 2025), Wildview Taiwan, Native Lens Film Festival
Press & Campaign Coverage
ABC Australia (Pacific Beat podcast)
Seafood Source
Undercurrent News
Fisker Forum
Spinnaker Global
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Blue Marine Foundation
Featured in One Last Fish (book), by Rose George
Bristol 24/7
