The Passage

The Passage is a documentary short film that presents the beauty and importance, as well as the fragility and threats, pertaining to The Verde Island Passage (VIP). This body of water in the Philippines is considered by scientists worldwide to be one of the most biodiverse on the planet - prompting some to call it "the center of the center" of marine biodiversity. The film is contextualized by the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Specifically, The Passage highlights the voices of scientists, conservationists, fisherfolk, residents, and other local stakeholders. Together, they address the question of how the pandemic impacted the marine environment as well as the local community in the VIP area. In particular, The Passage explores possible lessons and questions raised at the intersection of Environment, Conservation, Community, and Sustainability. The film takes on added significance as the VIP was recently awarded the Hope Spot distinction by Dr. Sylvia Earle's Mission Blue organization.