Stevenson’s Whale Film Wins Festival Awards
Bermuda filmmaker Andrew Stevenson’s documentary, If They Were Us: The Humpback Whales of the Sargasso Sea, won first place in the Marine Ecosystems category at the 2026 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival [WCFF].
The film was also named a Best Feature finalist and placed third in Best Cinematography at the event, which took place at the Elite Cinema Theater in Monterrey, Mexico, from September 18 to 20.
As detailed in earlier Bernews coverage, the production involved six years of research and filming, featuring aerial and underwater footage captured in Bermuda, the Sargasso Sea and the Caribbean.
The film’s two Bermuda premiere screenings at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute sold out, prompting the announcement of an additional cinema screening in April.
Mr Stevenson also received the Bermudiana Award for Natural Heritage Impact at the Bermuda National Trust Awards in June, recognising his whale research, advocacy and conservation work.
Speaking about the award win, the filmmaker said, “Overwhelmingly grateful and proud to share that our third and most recent documentary film on the humpbacks, If They Were Us: The Humpback Whales of the Sargasso Sea has taken home major honors at its first screening at a film festival, the 2026 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival.
“Six additional years of tracking, filming, and researching in the waters off Bermuda culminated in three awards at this year’s WCFF festival. The jury recognized our labor of love with these three honors.
“This documentary is more than just a wildlife film; it’s an urgent plea for the protection of global biodiversity and the vital sanctuary of the Sargasso Sea. A massive thank you to the WCFF jury, our incredible supporters, and everyone who has joined us on this journey to give these gentle giants a voice.
“A special thanks to Fidelis Foundation, Bermuda Zoological Society, Atlantic Conservation Partnership, Bermuda Arts Council and several generous local individuals for their financial support.”
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Congratulations on you labour of love. I hope this is the beginning of more documentaries and awards for you Andrew. Love this. An amazing feat Well done