In late November 2006, 46 international volunteers from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society embarked on their Antarctic campaign to stop Japanese whaling. ‘At the Edge of the World’ takes you to a place that you can barely imagine, allowing you a glimpse of a world you would otherwise never know.

In late November 2006, 46 international volunteers from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society embarked on their Antarctic campaign to stop Japanese whaling. ‘At the Edge of the World’ takes you to a place that you can barely imagine, allowing you a glimpse of a world you would otherwise never know. It chronicles the international volunteers and their controversial Sea Shepherd campaign against Japanese whaling.

 Under-trained and under-equipped, these eco-warriors have developed a combination of bizarre and brilliant tactics with which to stop the whalers.“Is there a sign for ‘man overboard’?” wonders one anxious volunteer anticipating the risks of fouling Japanese propellers and perfecting a maneuver cheekily named “the can-opener.” 

The campaign was arguably “the perfect combination of imperfections” and the risks taken were both reckless and admirable. Whether or not you agree with their cause, you cannot but respect these volunteers willing to risk their lives for something greater than themselves. And as we watch a lone ‘Sea Shepherd’ clinging to the back of a harpooned whale, we understand a resolve that will not quit until the killing ends.

Director Dan Stone’s film is not only stunning for its message but the breathtaking and majestic cinematography which captures the beauty of Antarctica. For more information and trailer check, http://www.attheedgeoftheworld.com/index.asp?page=home

AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD what the critics say

 “An intrepid record of modern-day piracy. Directed by Dan Stone to highlight moral as well as legal conflicts, this strikingly humane film may function as a prequel to Animal Planet’s ‘Whale Wars’ but is light years ahead in visual clarity and narrative ambition.”          Jeannette Catsoulis (The New York Times) NYT Critic’s Pick

“A bizarre and breathtaking high-seas adventure set in the remote, spectacular Ross Sea off Antarctica, ‘At the Edge of the World’ is the season's most surprising and thought-provoking documentary.

Andrew O’Hehir (Salon.com)

“It’s a true David-and-Goliath story. For anyone interested in real environmental activism, this passionate film is a must-see. The best scenes run on sheer adrenaline. For a real thrill, be sure to keep an eye out for this one.”

Michael Lee (Film Forward)

“This real-life drama and its vast setting demand to be experienced on the big, instead of the little screen—men go overboard, skiffs go missing, and the long arm of the law threatens in this lean, sharply directed film.”

Elena Oumano (Village Voice)

“Highly recommended” “At The Edge of the World is a superb advocacy documentary and travelog that 

presents a compelling cause, fascinating cast of characters, eventful and dramatic story and artful cinematography. It takes you to a place you might not otherwise know and presents it in the genuine fullness of

event and experience.”                            Jennifer Merin (About.com) 

“‘At the Edge of the World’ is one of those rare documentaries that could easily function as a compelling fiction thriller. Superbly shot from a wealth of angles and perspectives and edited to emphasize the tension in their quest, it’s a grand entertainment that only offers time for reflection once the lights go up.”

Robert Levin (Critic’s Notebook)

Plus  short film “Is This Conservation” (7 mins) A film about the rules of catching cod off the Cornish coast.

Friday June 11th at 8 pm doors open 7-30pm

Settlers Film Club . Settlers Hall. West Coast Road. Oratia. Tel: 09 818 2489 or E-mail: settlersfilmclub@xtra.co.nz