The conservationists changing Galapagos: Three short films by Craghoppers

Following the launch of Craghoppers’ Galapagos film series celebrating the work of three incredible women (Lucía Norris, Diana Pazmiño and Sofía Green) who are working to protect and preserve the Galapagos Islands, Charlotte and Charlie share their experience partnering with those on the frontline of conservation and the impact their visit to the Enchanted Isles had on them.

Can you both tell us a bit about each film and your experience working with Lucía, Diana and Sofía?

Charlotte: The three films were designed to work independently but also as a series. Each is fronted by a main protagonist exploring a unique angle. It was incredibly inspiring to be in the company of these women and the residents of Galapagos, they truly are doing ground-breaking work that left me feeling hopeful but also understanding the scale of issues the Islands are facing.

The first film is about Lucía Norris, the Programmes and Policy Manager at Galapagos Conservation Trust. Lucía was born on the Islands, making them a very special place for her which we wanted to capture within the film. She plays an integral role on the Islands, working with local NGOs to help in the fight against social and environmental issues such as plastic pollution and unsustainable tourism.

The second film is about Dr Diana Pazmiño, a marine biologist and lecturer at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. She founded the first Gills Club (Chicas con Agallas) on the Islands, empowering girls aged 9 to 12 to learn more about Galapagos and engage them in scientific and conservation initiatives through hands-on participation, games and discussion sessions.

The third film is about Sofía Green, a marine biologist working at the Galapagos Whale Shark Project and her relationship with the fishermen who need the ocean for their livelihoods. Sofía has brought scientists and fishermen together to show that the two groups can work alongside one another to ensure the ocean is protected for future generations.

Charlie: When naming the films, I looked at the language our protagonists were using and related it to the abundance of life the Galapagos Islands have. Wherever you look you see life of some sort, on land or underwater, therefore it felt only appropriate to name the films with that in the title. As a result, each of the films lives comfortably on its own, whilst still sitting succinctly together.

• Where LIFE thrives
• Full of LIFE 
• A second LIFE

Working across these films was eye-opening. As opposed to a traditional tourist perspective, I was granted access to people’s homes, fishermen’s boats and entrepreneur’s businesses, as well as being permitted to film in the National Park. All of this meant that I developed deeper relationships with people which in turn led to greater access and openness to being filmed. Everything you see about Galapagos across normal media is more focused on the wildlife and less on the people who live there, so for me, it was a huge privilege to be able to document their stories and is something I am hugely grateful for having the opportunity to do.

What was the process behind deciding on the three storylines we see in this series?

Charlotte: We first discussed the idea for a film back in June 2022 with Craghoppers ambassador Sofía Green and her father Jonathan at Craghoppers HQ. Initially, it was one film exploring the work GCT does with support from Craghoppers, but as we talked about the idea further and developed storyboards, it became clear that we had three strong stories that each deserved their own film. I liked the idea of having three female protagonists for each film, showing the audience different areas of conservation on the Islands. I hope when people watch them, they come away learning something new about these incredible islands and the work of Galapagos Conservation Trust.

How important is it to tell conservation stories through artistic mediums such as videos?

Charlie: As a photographer, I love the fact and phrase that a single image can speak a thousand words. This is especially true in the field of photojournalism. A video however affords the possibility of showing more, and specifically of hearing directly from those subjects involved. It is here that the image can really sing. A well-crafted narrative can pull at a viewer’s heartstrings and incite powerful emotions. You can take a viewer on a journey that, when cut to the right type of music, can heighten the impact and draw you in even more.

Conservation is a topic that is hard to strike the right balance with as it can upset people. Devastating images of torn down forests or dead animals are hard for us to stomach and so one must be mindful of this and ensure that the narrative, whilst explaining the story, lifts the viewer at the end, and allows them to feel like they can help and that there is hope.

How do Craghoppers support the work of Galapagos Conservation Trust?

Charlotte: Through the Regatta Foundation, Craghoppers support the work of GCT by providing funding, something we have been doing since 2019. This funding helps support essential research projects, as well as engaging with the local NGOs on the Islands, whose work directly contributes to finding real solutions to global environmental issues. We also give funding directly to the Gills Club, a science-based club, led by Diana and Sofía. The girls learn skills like swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, something that not all residents of the islands have the chance to experience. We hope that one day, these girls will grow up to become the next generation of scientists.

Can you share any advice with those looking to work in video production?

Charlie: Get your hands dirty and learn everything you can within the field as you might be surprised at what element of it interests you the most. Some people get their kicks out of the production management side, focusing on budgets, finance, logistics and organisation. For others, it is solely about picking up the camera, the audio equipment or the lighting. When the filming is done there is the edit, the grade and the sound design to think about. Maybe even special effects if appropriate. And that’s not even considering other elements such as prop creation or set build. There are a myriad of routes to follow all of which result in one thing.

I would say to always keep an open mind. Whilst it is not my specific area of expertise, for example, I particularly enjoy the sound design side of the edit. It’s incredible how much difference the sound of a crashing wave or some bubbles can bring to a film about the ocean for example.

Are there any moments from your time in Galapagos that have had a lasting impression on you?

Charlotte: There were so many moments that had a profound impact on me, the first was when I got the opportunity to snorkel around Kicker Rock, just seeing the incredible marine life including turtles, sharks and all sorts of wonderful fish and coral life, it was truly spectacular and it hit me just how special and biodiverse the waters are around Galapagos. But it also made me feel quite sad when I compare it to snorkelling I’ve done in other parts of the world, it made me realise that our oceans should be like this the world over; teeming with life.

Another moment that inspired me was filming with the girls in Gills Club, their infectious energy and wide-eyed curiosity to learn reinforced my belief that we all have a part to play in caring for our environment.

Charlie: There were so many memorable moments for me, my first swim in Santa Cruz where I was surrounded by marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. I enjoyed walking through the streets of Puerto Ayora and seeing the sea lions loafing around on the streets, or the ones blocking my path back from the beach in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

On two occasions sea lions came after me when I was out filming. Huge individuals that didn’t like me being in their patch. Circling me, knocking their head back and forth and getting too close for comfort. My heart was racing and locals said to me that because of that I was now a local too!