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St Helena, one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, has won accolades at two international film festivals with two short films, Bone Shark Island and Come and Find Me, which showcase St Helena’s unique marine life and tourism appeal.
Bone Shark Island, a six-minute, short-form documentary featuring St Helena’s whale shark population, has been named joint winner in the Environmental category at the Houston Underwater Film Festival (HUFF) 2025.
The innovative tourism film Come and Find Me has been selected as a finalist at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA), with the awards ceremony taking place in Johannesburg from 3-6 June 2025.
The HUFF-winning film, produced in collaboration with the St Helena National Trust, highlights the island’s unique relationship with whale sharks, known locally as ‘bone sharks’ due to the distinctive cartilage ridges which run the length of their bodies.
Each year between December and March, adult male and female whale sharks gather around St Helena in almost equal numbers, the only known place in the world where such an aggregation occurs.
Scientists believe the gathering is an indicator of courtship and mating behaviour, of which there have been a number of anecdotal reports, although none have, to date, been captured on film.
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Bone Shark Island documents how researchers have identified more than 360 individual whale sharks in St Helena’s waters using their unique spot patterns for identification.
New sharks arrive each year; others have been spotted over multiple years, including the affectionately named ‘Snowflake’, which has been seen every year since 2012.
The documentary also highlights the islanders’ relationship with the world’s largest fish.
‘We feel enormously protective,’ says Kenickie Andrews of the St Helena National Trust. ‘The safety of our whale sharks is paramount.
‘For example, we know that whale sharks and other species, like rays, are adversely impacted by plastic pollution. Through education and awareness, locals not only ensure that there is zero plastic pollution in St Helena’s marine protected area – but also that we’re creating a blueprint for responsible tourism interaction.’
‘Diving with whale sharks is an extraordinary experience that draws visitors from around the world,’ says Dianne Venning, Acting Head of Tourism for St Helena. ‘We understand our responsibility, and each year we celebrate the arrival of these mysterious and wonderful creatures and take pride in the fact that our waters remain safe, welcoming and pristine.’
St Helena’s whale sharks also have a cameo appearance in the ITFFA finalist film Come and Find Me, which the filmmakers say represents ‘a bold departure from traditional tourism marketing’.
Having previously won the Director’s Choice special award at the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival (JWTFF), the narrative-driven approach celebrating the wonders of St Helena continues to receive international recognition with its nomination as a finalist in the ITFFA
‘I am beyond proud of what we have achieved,’ says director Darren Peens. ‘I say “we” because there were some truly brave and dedicated individuals who made this film possible, including Martin George, who could take on a producer’s role anywhere in the world; Matt Joshua, then Head of Tourism for St Helena, for having the insight to see the vision; and of course, Katie Raye Williams, a remarkable actress whose work ethic was unmatched on set.’
Darren Peens and Katie Raye Williams will be in Sandton in the first week of June for ITFFA 2025 and the announcement of the winners.
Both films showcase St Helena’s commitment to biodiversity, environmental stewardship and responsible tourism practices.
‘These accolades highlight what makes St Helena truly special: our remarkable natural heritage and innovative approach to sustainable tourism,’ says Venning.
‘The recognition at these prestigious festivals puts our tiny island firmly on the global map for eco-conscious travellers.’
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