Telling Stories That Matter: SeaKeepers Asia at Earth In Focus 2026

Film has a powerful way of bringing people closer to stories they might otherwise never hear. It can turn complex environmental issues into something personal, create understanding and inspire people to care and take action.

On 7 November, SeaKeepers Asia was proud to see two of our volunteers, Aaryan Chowdary and Alex McCann, showcase their work at the Earth In Focus 2026 Film Festival in Singapore. Together, as Team JACS, they participated in the five-month Earth In Focus Media Lab, an intensive programme supported by SeaKeepers Asia that brings together emerging filmmakers to learn from industry professionals and develop their skills in environmental storytelling.

Their film, “ Still Here “, tells the story of the Orang Laut Seletar community at Sungai Temon, Malaysia, capturing their way of life, cultural heritage and enduring connection to the sea. It also highlights the project between The International SeaKeepers Society and L.I.f.E Malaysia, supported by WASH Foundation and Sands through The Drop-by-Drop Project, to rebuild the community’s cultural centre and strengthen its mussel farming through improved water quality monitoring.
Beyond the film screenings, the event brought together conservation groups, schools and environmental organisations through 12 festival booths, followed by the Earth In Focus Awards Ceremony.

For SeaKeepers Asia, supporting young storytellers is about more than learning to make a film. It is about giving them the skills and confidence to bring important stories to a wider audience. Good environmental storytelling does not simply present facts; it helps people connect, understand and care. And sometimes, a film can make the difference between hearing about an issue and feeling inspired to do something about it.