Wham Wildlife film productions
Project Leaders: Michael & Ryan Wham
Whale sharks of Holbox
Project Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Growing to more than 20 meters long, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish in the oceans, inhabiting tropical waters around the globe. While little is known about these gentle plankton- eating giants their large fins and bodies attract fishermen who relentlessly kill them; as such, in all areas of the world, whale sharks are now severely threatened.
Michael Wham, a student filmmaker from south-east Texas, has been making wildlife films since the age of 7, and with the assistance of SOSF he was able to go on and create his latest production, Whale sharks of Holbox.
Michael Wham, a student filmmaker from south-east Texas, has been making wildlife films since the age of 7, and with the assistance of SOSF he was able to go on and create his latest production, Whale sharks of Holbox.
In the field & on location
Shot off the coast of Mexico, the film tells the story of the residents of Holbox Island; faced with a dwindling supply of fish, which had previously been the basis for their livelihoods, the residents have turned to ecotourism in an attempt to support their economy. The star of this new form of sustenance has been the whale shark, and the film explores the changing nature of the relationship between humans and their giant marine neighbours.
In telling this story, the then 17-year-old Michael gained a range of plaudits for his work: in the US, the film was selected for the KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festival 2007 and also won the film division of the Culture Shapers Visual Arts Competition.
In telling this story, the then 17-year-old Michael gained a range of plaudits for his work: in the US, the film was selected for the KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festival 2007 and also won the film division of the Culture Shapers Visual Arts Competition.
Sharks Up Close
Project Location: Bimini, Bahamas
Wham Wildlife Films hopes to produce a short documentary of Ryan Wham’s encounters with sharks on a proposed 7-day educational field trip to Bimini, Bahamas, in their latest film, Sharks Up Close.
Through Ryan, we will travel alongside on his diving adventures with these beautiful creatures, and learn how we can help to protect them. On his trip Ryan is hoping to dive with many different species such as blacknose sharks (Carcharhinus acronotus), lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris), nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum), tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), Caribbean reef (Carcharhinus perezii) and bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas). Ryan is also planning to dive with sting (Dasyatidae) and eagle rays (Myliobatidae) as he helps to tag, release and take tissue samples.
Through Ryan, we will travel alongside on his diving adventures with these beautiful creatures, and learn how we can help to protect them. On his trip Ryan is hoping to dive with many different species such as blacknose sharks (Carcharhinus acronotus), lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris), nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum), tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), Caribbean reef (Carcharhinus perezii) and bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas). Ryan is also planning to dive with sting (Dasyatidae) and eagle rays (Myliobatidae) as he helps to tag, release and take tissue samples.
In the field & on location
This new production aims promote an alternative view to young adults and children, by showing sharks as vital components within a reef ecosystem, rather than just mindless eating machines. The film will also deal with the very real threats to the survival of many sharks, including the destruction of Bimini’s mangroves, which are known to be the nurseries for sharks, as well as the process of shark finning, and the potentially disastrous consequence of global warming.