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Penguins of the Point

Penguins of the Point is a short wildlife documentary that explores the daily lives of penguins at Volunteer Point in the Falkland Islands, showcasing the resilience of these remarkable birds as they face both predators and modern threats such as climate change, commercial fishing, and avian influenza. Watch gentoo and king penguins navigate the shoreline where predators await, witness the spectacle of king penguins undergoing their annual molt, follow magellanic penguins as they return to breed along the shore, and observe tender scenes of chicks huddling together in crèches for warmth and protection before being fed by parents returning from the sea. Along the way, the film sheds light on the growing threat of avian influenza and the wider impacts of climate change and overfishing on penguin populations and their fragile ecosystem.

  • Derek Robitaille
    Director
  • Derek Robitaille
    Producer
  • Derek Robitaille
    Writer
  • Derek Robitaille
    Cinematographer
  • Derek Robitaille
    Editor
  • Derek Robitaille
    Narrator
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Wildlife, Nature
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 11 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4K DCI 2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Derek Robitaille

Derek Robitaille is an emerging cinematographer based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with a passion for nature and travel. After four years working aboard cruise ships and the rare privilege of visiting all seven continents, he honed his craft through extensive travels, drawing inspiration from landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. Though new to filmmaking, Derek has gained experience in documentary and corporate storytelling, particularly within Indigenous communities across Canada, and most recently received an award for his debut production, Penguins of the Point, at the 2025 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival.

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Director Statement

My goal with Penguins of the Point was to offer an intimate, humorous, and educational glimpse into the daily lives of the penguins at Volunteer Point. From natural predation, life cycles, and modern threats like climate change, commercial fishing, and avian flu, I aimed to create a narrative that resonates emotionally and educates viewers of all ages. The future of these remarkable birds is uncertain, and this film seeks to deepen understanding while inspiring urgency around their conservation.

The last time I visited the Falkland Islands was in 2019, while working in the shore excursions department for Holland America Line. During that time, I managed a couple of day trips to Volunteer Point and always envied those fortunate enough to stay at the nearby house, just steps from the wildlife. In early 2024, I reached out to Derek Petterson, one of the wardens of the property, to inquire about any remaining availability for October. With some luck, I secured five nights, despite the location being fully booked for the next three years. Derek and Trudi were exceptional hosts, and I highly recommend staying there if you ever get the chance.

My days on-site were long, but rewarding. Each morning began at 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise and early wildlife activity. I’d return for breakfast around 8:30, head back out with a packed lunch by 9:30, and stay out until dinner at 7:30 PM. Afterward, I backed up footage and took time to reflect on the day. I was incredibly fortunate with the weather—clear skies, no rain, and only one particularly windy day that made shooting with a long lens a little frustrating.

With each passing day, I became more attuned to the penguins’ behaviors and patterns, allowing me to anticipate movements and better position myself for the next shot. At the same time, the pressure of having only a few days to film everything often left me feeling torn between patience and urgency. To stay focused, I developed a loose shooting plan. Mornings typically began with a hike up the hill to the king penguin rookery, where I could assess the action and decide how to structure the rest of my day. One morning I stayed on the beach. The next, I followed and observed the king penguins on their long march to the other end of the beach. On yet another, I focused entirely on the rookery itself. Those early hours helped shape the rest of my daily shooting strategy.

Wildlife and weather are both unpredictable, which is why time and patience are essential, sometimes just to capture a single meaningful moment. Penguins of the Point is the result of those moments, strung together through observation, persistence, and an enduring passion for wildlife, documentary storytelling, and the belief that education through film can lead to action.