A sold-out cinema at the Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich provided an atmospheric setting for the screening of the documentary film Her Shark Story. With every seat taken, the audience watched a film that is much more than a classic nature documentary: it combines scientific research, impressive images of the Galápagos underwater world, and a very personal story about responsibility, trust, and the protection of an endangered giant of the seas—the whale shark.
The film accompanies Sofia in her work at sea: tagging the animals, making underwater observations, and collecting data, which often requires patience, physical endurance, and perseverance. The camera always stays close to the protagonist, showing her scientific work – characterized by long days, uncertainties, and constant dependence on the weather, currents, and the animals themselves. Her Shark Story impressively shows how little we know about the migrations, reproduction, and behavior of whale sharks despite decades of research – and how urgently protective measures are needed.
A second narrative level of the film is the relationship between Sofia and her father, geologist and marine researcher Jonathan Green. Joint expeditions on the research vessel provide an opportunity to reexamine a relationship that has been distant for years. Old wounds, different life choices, and unspoken expectations come to light without ever distracting from the actual topic—the protection of the oceans. It is precisely this personal dimension that gives the film depth and makes it accessible to a wide audience.
Visually, Her Shark Story impresses with calm, striking underwater footage from the Galápagos Marine Reserve. The images show whale sharks not as a sensation, but as a natural part of a complex ecosystem. At the same time, it becomes clear how fragile this balance is: climate change, increasing shipping traffic, and human intervention threaten even remote regions such as the Galápagos Islands.
The audience at the Natural History Museum in Zurich was visibly moved. The film was perceived as authentic, touching, and informative. The restrained narrative style was particularly appreciated, as it leaves room for viewers to form their own thoughts and does not preach, but instead convinces through closeness and understanding.
Many conversations continued during the aperitif that followed. Impressions from the film, personal experiences in the Galápagos, and questions about marine conservation were discussed animatedly. The evening provided an opportunity for exchange and deeper understanding.
A visible sign of the audience's connection to the film's theme was their generosity in donating. Thanks to two generous individual donations, a total of 5,700 Swiss francs was raised for the whale shark project. Thus, a moving film experience also turned into concrete support for the protection of these extraordinary animals.
Veronika Huebl
