Guardian of the Sea Lions

"Guardian of the Sea Lions" is a film centered around Janet Ledingham, an 83 year-old woman who voluntarily collects data on sea lions, a nationally vulnerable species, for the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust. It is both informative and inspiring as we learn about Janet’s passion for sea lions and her role in caring for her local population. The film will make you come to appreciate both Janet and the sea lions, as Janet tells her story.

  • Stephanie Guest
    Director
  • Shania Riethmann
    Director
  • Janet Ledingham
    Key Cast
  • Shaun McConkey
    Key Cast
  • Stephanie Guest
    Producer
  • Shania Riethmann
    Producer
  • Stephanie Guest
    Writer
  • Shania Riethmann
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Nature, science, inspirational, wildlife, sea lions, senior, volunteer, conservation, new zealand, dedication
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 25 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    New Zealand
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Otago
Director Biography - Stephanie Guest, Shania Riethmann

Stephanie Guest is a South African/Filipina masters student in Natural History Filmmaking and Science Communication at the University of Otago. She has lived in the Philippines, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, South Africa, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Rather than her home, what has stayed consistent throughout her life has been her love for storytelling and the natural world. From experiencing her first safari before age 10 to obtaining her PADI scuba diving licence before middle school, Stephanie is an avid wildlife enthusiast. By finally creating her own films, she hopes to bring her love for the natural world with her passion for storytelling and bring meaningful stories to her audiences.

Shania Riethmann is currently a postgraduate student studying science communication at the University of Otago, after having completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Neuroscience and Zoology. She was drawn into the science communication course because of the natural history filmmaking aspect. She has always had a keen interest in wildlife and nature, with other aspects of science also drawing her curiosity. So far, she’s only made one film, a short film, but a film all the same. She considered it an amazing experience and intends to make many more films in the future.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Stephanie Guest-
What made me to come to love the natural world were the stories of my dad and my grandfather in the African bush. Even before I was able to experience it myself, through their stories, I was already in love. In filmmaking, I experience the same journey getting to know the film's characters and piecing their story together for the screen.

I hope to use storytelling to engage my audience with the natural world and with meaningful stories in this same way to spread the messages that need to be heard in the world today.