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The Way Of The Whale

Prepare to witness an untold saga—an extraordinary bond between humans and whales, set in the isolated, untouched paradise of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

After a heroic 5,000-mile migration—the longest of any marine
mammal—gray whales return to Laguna San Ignacio. Here, mothers and their newborns reach out to visitors, creating an otherworldly connection in nature: the "friendly gray whale phenomenon."

But this sacred nursery nearly vanished. A proposed multimil-
lion-dollar industrial salt factory by the Mitsubishi Corporation and
the Mexican government threatened its existence.
At the heart of the 1990s battle to save this haven was the legendary Mexican biologist and ecologist, Julia Carabias Lillo. What started with local fishermen’s fears and the voices of a few environmentalists exploded into a worldwide movement. With the emerging power of the internet, millions united in a fight that culminated in a
mysterious, awe-inspiring encounter with a 30-ton whale—an event that swayed a nation’s president and stopped the world’s largest corporation in its tracks.
Twenty Five years later, this story takes on new life. Julia Carabias
passes this legacy to the next generation of environmental warriors.
She presents this victory to Xiye Bastida, the new leader of youth
environmentalism. Inspired by this tale, Xiye embarks on a majestic
and unique journey, following the migratory path of the gray
whales—from the California coast to the Washington coast, and up
to the fragile Arctic waters of Alaska, where the whales feed.
As Xiye faces the frontline of the climate crisis, guided by Julia, the
deep roots and connection with her Otomi - Toltec ancestors and
leading scientists, she forges a profound bond with the gray whales, learning from their resilience. Their journey becomes her own.
This is not just a documentary—it is a call to action, a powerful
legacy of hope passed from one generation to the next, in a race to
protect our planet.

  • FRANCO CAMPOS-LOPEZ BENYUNES
    Director
    I Did Her Wrong, DamBusters, Love Flows, We Will Stay
  • XIYE BASTIDA
    Writer
  • FRANCO CAMPOS-LOPEZ BENYUNES
    Writer
    I Did Her Wrong, DamBusters, Love Flows, We Will Stay
  • CLATE KORSANT
    Producer
  • XIYE BASTIDA
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 45 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,500,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Mexico, United States
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    RED Super 35mm Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - FRANCO CAMPOS-LOPEZ BENYUNES

Franco Campos-Lopez Benyunes is a Chilean-born, American filmmaker whose creative journey began in Buenos Aires. A director, producer, and writer, Franco’s work has spanned continents, earning him numerous prestigious film awards across the United States. His passion for storytelling and innovation in cinema has led him to teach master classes in the US, China, and Israel, sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.

Equally dedicated to environmental conservation, Franco has been actively involved in efforts to preserve the fragile ecosystems of Patagonia, the Amazon, and the Andes. His commitment to both art and the environment defines his unique perspective as a filmmaker.

In 2008, Franco relocated to the United States under a visa for extraordinary ability in the arts. His debut fiction feature film, I Did Her Wrong, marked his entrance into narrative cinema. In recent years, he has focused on a slate of environmental documentary features, with plans to return to fiction filmmaking in 2025.

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Director Statement

The story of Laguna San Ignacio in the late 90s has always ignited a spark within me. The moment I encountered the footage and delved into the archives, I was spellbound. In an era where industrialism consumes the natural world, Laguna San Ignacio stands as a beacon of hope, a testament that triumph is possible. Through hundreds of hours of interviews and painstakingly piecing together the narrative,
it became clear that this story demanded a vibrant, youthful lens a journey through the lessons Laguna imparts and the wonders it holds after the gray whales retreat to the Arctic.
Casting Xiye Bastida as the lead was a masterstroke. Her vibrant energy bridges the past with the pressing concerns of our present, infusing the film with urgency and relevance. Xiye’s presence allowed me to weave a rich tapestry of high-end aesthetics and raw, documentary-style storytelling. I sought to bring the essence of Latin American magic realism to life, capturing the region’s epic narrative with a touch of the mystical.
As both director and main cinematographer, my vision was to transcend conventional filmmaking. With Xiye, we explore the indigenous cosmovision and the majestic legacy of the Otomi Tolteca Civilization, juxtaposed against the serene, underwater world where gray whales nurture their young.
In every frame, I aimed to echo the power of Mother Nature. The narrative is illuminated by powerful duos: the gray whales and their calves, Xiye and her mother, Xiye and her father, and Xiye and her mentor, Julia. The maternal energy of the gray whales serves as a guiding light for all characters and scenes, a constant reminder of the magnificent natural world and the urgent need to protect it.
The Way of The Whale is more than a film; it’ss a call to action. It’s a celebration of the strength of maternal bonds and the wisdom we can draw from nature, urging us to safeguard our planet for the generations to come. Through Xiye’s journey, we experience the breathtaking beauty and profound lessons of Laguna San Ignacio, making it a cinematic voyage that resonates deeply with our time and the future.