Trade Secret

This is one of those films that changes the way you see the world - in particular the world of wildlife conservation where not everything is always as it seems.

One of the things that struck me was the bold storytelling by the filmmakers and activists featured in the film. Too often, conservation documentaries start strong and tail off but this one had me captivated from start to finish, and several moments had me on the edge of my seat.

The story is carried along seamlessly with beautiful cinematography and editing - so much so that you forget you're watching what is, at times, a gritty, run-and-gun documentary.

Review by Wolfgang Knöpfler Producer of the Oscar-shortlisted "The Ivory Game" and Sundance Audience Award winner "Sea of Shadows"

After watching this film, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time: true inspiration. For years, I have pitched similar urgent and vital stories to funders, streamers, and broadcasters-often met with rejection after rejection. Two years ago, we even closed our feature documentary department, convinced that such stories had no place in today's market.

This documentary rekindled my belief that they do. It is a superbly crafted work-powerful, urgent, and deeply moving. The storytelling is razor-sharp, the cinematography both beautiful and harrowing, and its message could not be more relevant. It sheds light on a matter of global importance, and it does so with both journalistic integrity and cinematic finesse.

I sincerely hope it receives the widest possible distribution. Its impact should be felt not only by audiences but also by the institutions capable of enacting real change. If it reaches enough hearts and minds, perhaps even the WWF will reconsider its stance.

In a time when such stories often struggle to find support, this film stands as proof that they must continue to be told. It has reawakened my conviction that they can make a difference.

Compelling and masterful storytelling that will leave you speechless and determined to see change. As the three 'hero' characters, (and they are total hero's,) are introduced, you are in absolute awe of their commitment, their fearlessness, their determination to stop the trade of the iconic polar bear. It seems an impossible to imagine that an animal that is listed a vulnerable is allowed to be traded at all. It's a very emotional experience following their separate yet intertwined journeys. Their highs and lows ooze out of the screen, and you feel every bit of it. It's authentic, it's raw. Every part of you wants to see them succeed in their mission. Then comes the BIG REVEAL and nothing can prepare you for it. It's jaw dropping and extremely unexpected. Personally, I find it even more impactful, more shocking than Blackfish, a very powerful film that sparked a moral outcry, and change happened virtually overnight. The world's wildlife needs voices, needs hero's fighting the fight. The truth needs to be revealed, people need to be held accountable, and the change needs to happen, not just for the future of the polar bear but all wildlife. You will find all of this in Trade Secret.

Trade Secret is a gripping and deeply impactful documentary that pulls no punches. It's beautifully shot, with cinematic visuals that elevate its urgent and often disturbing subject matter. The journalism is both powerful and impressively balanced - clear, intelligent, and unflinching in its pursuit of truth. It doesn't sensationalise, but instead presents facts with clarity and integrity. Every moment feels purposeful and necessary. It's the kind of film that not only informs but challenges and motivates. Trade Secret deserves to be widely seen, discussed, and acted upon. Essential viewing for anyone who cares about justice, truth, and the world we live in.

Trade Secret is an absolutely shocking story. Extremely powerful, with a strong message. And it's so we'll made. It's a story that needs to be told. I am glad that Abraham and his team has made this film. People, scientists and politicians around the world needs to see this.

This film is not about the climate change. It's more about how politics, conservation and commerce deals with polar bears. I had no idea that polar bears as a species was treated like this. And that makes me sad. This is a very strong film that people needs to see. Especially for understanding how polar bears are affected. If you are going to see one documentary, you should definitely see this one.