Eli Roth Directing Shark Documentary ‘Fin’ for Discovery Plus (EXCLUSIVE)
Eli Roth, the horror filmmaker behind such blood-spattered classics as “Hostel” and “The Green Inferno,” wants to scare viewers into social action with his latest film, the documentary “Fin.” He’s devoting his cinematic prowess to an important environmental cause, exposing a vast criminal enterprise that has led to the deaths of millions of sharks. These creatures are being needlessly slaughtered to feed the continued demand for shark fin soup and other shark fin dishes, and the killings threaten the species with extinction.
Subscription streaming service Discovery Plus acquired the documentary and will air the film on July 13, 2021.
More from Variety
Richard Hammond Sets up Shop at Discovery Plus - Global Bulletin
Magnolia Network Unveils Four Originals to Round Out Summer Slate on Discovery Plus
“‘Fin’ is the scariest film I’ve ever made, and certainly the most dangerous, but I wanted to send a message of hope to end this needless massacre of sharks,” Roth said. “They keep our oceans clean to produce half our oxygen, and they deserve our respect and deserve to be saved.”
Roth noted that Congress is set to vote on a ban that would make it illegal to sell or buy shark fins in the U.S. Roth wrote, directed, and executive produced the film. “Fin” is produced by Lionsgate and its Pilgrim Media Group company in association with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Away productions.
“I wanted to show the crisis from all sides and paired with an action campaign we can make the change necessary to protect them,” said Roth. “Fifty years ago the world came together to save the whales, then we did it for dolphins, and recently for Orcas. It’s time to do the same for sharks, and time is running out.”
“Fin” features work from photographer Michael Muller and the support of organizations such as Oceana, Sea Shepherd, and Wild Aid. DiCaprio executive produces the film along with actor, producer and shark activist Nina Dobrev and President of Lionsgate Nonfiction Television and Pilgrim CEO and Chair Craig Piligian.
“Working with Eli and the group of experts on this documentary has been mind-blowing and immensely educational. For years, we’ve perceived sharks as monsters but what’s truly monstrous is what’s happening to these beautiful creatures,” said Piligian. “Eli’s care, hard work and research on this important cause is evident in the remarkable production value of the film and its riveting effect. It’s a passion project for all of us involved and Discovery Plus is the perfect home.”
“Fin” will be featured as part of the company’s popular summer Shark Week programming.
“Discovery is the undisputed leader in shark programming and we will extend that expertise into the streaming space this summer on Discovery Plus, with must-see content for shark lovers and enthusiasts. Perhaps no project is more important and timely than ‘Fin,’ as we bring awareness to the serious threats these beautiful fish are facing,” said Lisa Holme, Group SVP of Content and Commercial Strategy for Discovery, Inc.
Other producers on “Fin” include Pilgrim’s Gretchen Stockdale and Nicholas Caprio as well as Mohamed El Manasterly. Mike Nichols, Eddie Rohwedder, Michael Muller, Jennifer Davisson and Phillip Watson also serve as executive producers.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
