Event Recap: DC Environmental Film Festival — Her Shark Story Screening & Panel Discussion
On March 23, the Earth Commons hosted a full festival screening of Her Shark Story at Georgetown University’s Capitol Campus as part of the 34th DC Environmental Film Festival — and it was an evening to remember.
Guests gathered at the 125 E. Auditorium for an inspiring night of ocean conservation and storytelling, bringing together students, faculty, filmmakers, and community members for a shared experience that went far beyond the screen.
Under this year’s unifying theme, “Against the Current,” the festival celebrates the activists, artists, journalists, scientists, and storytellers working to defend our planet—often in the face of mounting challenges. The theme calls on audiences to reject cynicism and instead find hope in art, collaboration, and collective action.
About the Film
Her Shark Story follows Sofia, a young marine biologist in the Galápagos Islands, as she reconnects with her absent father — Jonathan Green — through their shared passion for protecting the whale shark, the largest shark in the world. Produced over four years, the film is a beautifully woven story of female empowerment, family, and ecological urgency, set against the stunning backdrop of the Galápagos.
The Panel Discussion
Following the screening, attendees were treated to a rich conversation on stage with three remarkable guests.
Ignacio Walker — the film’s Emmy-nominated director, producer, and cinematographer — reflected on the four-year creative journey behind Her Shark Story, which has earned 18 international festival selections across six continents and three awards, including Best Director at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival. His career has taken him to over 30 countries, with credits for Netflix, the BBC, and collaborations alongside Sir David Attenborough, Steven Spielberg, and Morgan Freeman.
Jonathan Green, Founder and Director of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project — and the father at the heart of the film — shared the remarkable story behind decades of whale shark research. What began with a handful of dive masters in 1993 has grown into a global scientific collaboration, achieving world-first discoveries in whale shark science and contributing to the creation of the Hermandad Marine Protected Area — a 60,000 km² ocean sanctuary.
The discussion was moderated by Pete Marra, Dean of the Earth Commons, and ranged from the science of whale shark conservation to the power of personal storytelling in driving environmental action.
A Night of Community and Conservation
The evening was a celebration of what environmental storytelling can do — sparking curiosity, building connection, and inspiring action. We are grateful to everyone who joined us, to the DC Environmental Film Festival for a wonderful partnership, and to Ignacio and Jonathan for sharing their work and their story with our community.