about the film

At the Edge of the World is a story of pirates from our times. It follows forty-six volunteers, seven cameramen, two ships and the highly controversial Canadian activist Paul Watson who set out for Antarctica to save whales from Japanese hunters posing as researchers. Employing guerilla–style, and sometimes aggressive and outlaw tactics, the crew, ‘Sea Shepherds’ follows Japanese vessels which exploit a loophole that allows the killing of whales for scientific research. The meat often ends up in restaurants in Japan, where whale meat is a delicacy. There is creativity, agility and dedication in the Sea Shepherds’ methods. Under the leadership of Paul Watson, who left Greenpeace to pursue his own methods, they operate with can openers to rip open the hull of enemy ships, ropes to tangle their propellers, and stink bombs to make the whale meat inedible. This is a mission that involves potential death, and all crew members are aware of that. With extraordinary cinematography as well as an around the clock presence in the crew’s lives, At the Edge of the World deftly captures the adrenaline of the mission and the ecstasy of victory. The question is obvious: When the law proves inadequate, how far would you go to save an animal’s life, to protect an endangered species?

about the director

Dan Stone was born in New York City. He received his M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. At The Edge of the World (2008) is his first documentary feature.

festivals

• 2008 Toronto
• Elizabeth Taylor Çevre Environmental Award
• Monaco International Film Festival: Best Feature Documentary
• Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography