Farquhar

Farquhar - these flats are alive!

Farquhar Atoll - one of the most remote Outer Islands of the Seychelles, located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, not far north of Madagascar. A vast geological past lies behind this elevation of volcanic rock, creating a unique habitat for both land and marine life. However, a long history of commercial fishing and ecological exploitation overshadowed the fate of this incredibly fragile ecosystem for a long time. Luckily, in recent years, local authorities have started to protect it by implementing sustainable use practices.

In 2016, a massive cyclone devastated the Island, its infrastructure, vegetation, and shallow reef areas, leaving it decimated. A long period of reconstruction paved the way for the first eco-tourists to return years later. Slowly, the ecosystem started to recover, the reefs continued to blossom and most endemic species returned, not lastly thanks to the implementation of strict fishing guidelines imposed on the guests visiting conservation measures, and scientific research.

When COVID shut down global travel, nobody was able to reach Farquhar Atoll for 13 months, nobody saw it, and nobody fished it. This film revolves around a small group of anglers, who were fortunate enough to visit the island for the first time in over a year. When they arrived, they found themselves in a healthy ecosystem, vibrant, and teeming with life. As though the absence of men had cleansed and healed the atoll. After a long road of recovery – Farquhar’s flats are alive!

Featuring: Keith Rose-Innes, Jasper Pääkkönen, Marina Gibson, Devan van der Merwe, Stephan Dombaj, Paulo Hoffmann, Cullan Ashby, Gerry Nourice

Location: Farquhar Atoll, Outer Islands, Seychelles

Director of Photography: Gregory Hegel

Camera: Gregory Hegel, Paulo Hoffmann, Brian Chukanyuka

Edited by: Gregory Hegel

Music by: Bad Karma (Axel Thesleff) - Submersed (Eleven Tales) – Selfless (Eleven Tales) – Beach House (Mochas) - Movements (John Meadow) - You Break Down (Czar Donic) - Ratata (Curtis Cole) - Babylon (Quinten Coblentz) – Oni (Kryptos) - Pressure Cooker (Cushy) - Quiet Pull (Tamuz Dekel)

Produced by Fly Fishing Nation Media in Cooperation with Alphonse Fishing Company

Ex.Producer: Stephan Dombaj & Paulo Hoffmann

Special thanks: Alphonse Fishing Company, Islands Development Company, Loop Tackle Design, Ahrex, Sawyer, Stroft