“Bone Shark Island” and “Come and Find Me” receive international recognition at separate festivals
Jamestown, St Helena Island, 19 May 2025: One of the world’s most remote inhabited islands is causing a stir on the international stage with accolades at two global film festivals, with Bone Shark Island and Come and Find Me both showcasing 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. Meanwhile, 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 their distinctive lateral cartilage patterns.
Kenickie Andrews from the St Helena National Trust said: “Each year, between December and March, St Helena provides a safe haven where these ocean giants can rest, recuperate and perhaps even breed in the Island’s waters. We now know that there is a 50/50 split between mature males and females, suggesting courtship behaviour that has never been documented anywhere else in the world.”
The film reveals how researchers have identified over 360 individual whale sharks in St Helena’s waters through their unique spot patterns, with new sharks arriving each year. Among these gentle giants is “Snowflake”, a regular visitor who has returned faithfully each year since 2012.
Importantly, the documentary also reveals the islanders’ relationship with the world’s largest fish.
“We feel enormously protective,” says Andrews. “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 that we’re creating a blue-print for responsible tourism interaction.”
Dianne Venning, Acting Head of Tourism for St Helena, agrees: “Diving with whale sharks is an extraordinary experience that draws visitors from around the world. 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 represents a bold departure from traditional tourism marketing.
Previously garnering attention in Japan and winning a Director’s Choice special award at the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival (JWTFF), the narrative-driven approach continues to resonate with international audiences – while celebrating the wonders of St Helena.
“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.”
Video links
Come and Find Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATenzRrnCJc
Bone Shark Island: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb5kh2MnTys
ENDS
St Helena is one of the world’s most remote islands. It is a subtropical paradise where the mountainous terrain and microclimates create an astounding diversity of landscapes all within a few minutes’ drive. Boasting clean air, a sparkling ocean environment, and a safe community (pop. 4,439), St Helena is an off-the-beaten-track, bucket-list destination. Boasting more than 500 plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, the island is also renowned for its diving and marine experiences. Additionally, St Helena is home to Jonathan the Tortoise, the world’s oldest living land animal!
Flights to St Helena can be booked from Johannesburg to St Helena (with the carrier Airlink). Airlink has recently doubled its scheduled flight service between South Africa and St Helena to a seasonal twice-weekly flight. https://www.flyairlink.com/
Issued by
Big Ambitions Marketing
Madalene Manuel
Email: madalene@bigambitions.co.za
Notes to editors:
For any media enquiries, please contact: sthelena@bigambitions.co.za
For more tourism information about St Helena please, visit www.sthelenatourism.com
