Shannon Morrall wins the MY HERO Sylvia Earle Student Award

The MY HERO Project is delighted to announce that the documentary Spear. Spatula. Submarine directed by USC student Shannon Morrall is the winner in the Student Category of the 2024 Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award. MY HERO presents this annual award to filmmakers who showcase heroes who are working to protect the world’s oceans.

Spear. Spatula. Submarine is a short documentary that focuses on the efforts of passionate Florida residents who are battling the predatory lionfish, an invasive species that is destroying sea life in their local waters. The film showcases the residents' struggle and introduces the individuals dedicating their time and resources to combat this issue. 

With an avaricious appetite, no native predators, and rapid reproduction rates, the invasive lionfish is one of the planet's greatest Eco-disasters. In this short documentary about sustainability and activism, a community of passionate Floridians use creative removal methods to save the waters they love.

Spear. Spatula. Submarine Shannon Morrall

For More Information go to: lionfishcentral.org  and Project Paradise NGO

MY HERO interviewed Shannon about her experience as a filmmaker and her motivation to make this film. 

Tell us about yourself in relation to this film.

Although this film was created outside of school, right now I'm finishing up my MFA degree at USC School of Cinematic Arts. And Spear, Spatula, Submarine is actually my first documentary! My background is traditionally in narrative filmmaking, which I think that definitely contributed to the film's entertaining flair. My stories tend to explore human connection, joy, and play, often through the escapism of grand adventure genres. As such, I'm passionate about virtual production and using technology to tell stories that are out-of-this-world. You can check out more of my work HERE. 

How did the idea for the film arise?

While the issue has grown over decades, I only learned of the lionfish invasion recently before making the film. As my curiosity grew, I spiraled into research mode, learning two things (among many):

One. Not nearly as many people are talking about this as there needs to be.

Two. Avoiding “disaster mode” is entirely possible. Simple, even. Catch the fish. Eat the fish. The solutions are already in place. We just need more manpower.

Out of all of the environmental “forest fires” on this planet, how does one inspire people to choose the right fire to put their efforts towards? With a background in both film and humanitarian aid, I knew the answer. Whichever issue becomes dinner table chatter, whichever topic trends on twitter - that’s the one that gets the attention. That’s the one that gets its firefighters.

I have a clear goal for this film: get as many people to see it as possible. I set out to make a short, engaging piece that gives a basic rundown of the problem, but really at its core focuses on the solutions, and the everyday Floridians fighting the good fight.

Could you tell us about the process of making the film and who was on the team?

This film was the result of the Natural Florida Film Grant via Project Paradise NGO. My team for this film was small but scrappy - we traveled all over Florida to find the right voices for our spear, our spatula, and our submarine, from East Coast to West, all the way down to the Keys, staying with family and rallying local help in each location. 

What was it like for you to make this film? What were some of the challenges, successes, and high points?

One of the challenges of the film was finding the right subjects to feature. There were so many qualified folks who could speak on this issue but finding the folks with the right voice - the charisma, the personal connection - was key to building the spirit of the film, and taking it from what could have been a dry info dump to a real story. I'm so fortunate to have found the subjects we did, which came from many blind phone calls through the lionfish community to find these very special people!

Who, if anyone, helped make this possible?

I have to shout out Luke Becker-Lowe, the film's Director of Photography, who at one point juggled an aerial drone, underwater drone, gopros, and cinema camera on a tiny boat all in one day...even after being stung by a jellyfish!

Shannon MorrallShannon Morrall

Do you have a personal hero?

My personal hero is my dad - a generous, honorable man who always urged a moral path, in line with our family name!

The Sylvia Earle Award

The annual award is named for Dr. Sylvia Earle, a world-renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer, author, lecturer, leader, and research scientist who has led more than 100 expeditions and author of more than 200 publications. It is sponsored by MacGillivray-Freeman Films’ Educational Foundation's One World One Ocean campaign[i]. 

Said Greg MacGillivray, Chairman of MacGillivray Freeman Films: “Sylvia Earle is our ocean hero, and we hope this award inspires aspiring filmmakers to shine a spotlight on other dedicated people from all walks of life who are working tirelessly on behalf of our oceans."

To ENTER the 2025 Award, go to: sylvia-earle-ocean-conservation-award.

Find out more about the MY HERO Film Festival here: festival-information