In the Wake of Giants is a cinematic journey through the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth, where migrating whales pass through waters that remain largely unprotected. At its heart is conservationist Jono Allen, who has spent years guiding people into the ocean to connect with the giants of the sea. But after a confronting experience in the waters of Tonga, the place he once felt most at home, he begins to question everything about tourism, protection and his own role in it all.
Seeking clarity, Jono travels to Nyinggulu (Ningaloo), Western Australia, where marine life thrives under thoughtful regulation and community-led conservation. There, he meets fellow ocean advocate Tom Cannon. Together, they set out on a wider journey across the Coral Triangle to explore what true coexistence with nature might look like.
In remote parts of Indonesia, they encounter two villages – one where whaling remains an enduring tradition tied to survival and identity, and another where vibrant reefs and traditional fishing practices still thrive in the absence of mass tourism. These contrasting experiences reveal the complexity of ocean conservation and the importance of listening before acting.
As Jono returns to Tonga, something within him has shifted. What once felt like certainty now feels like connection. The ocean remains the same, but his understanding of protection has changed. Through breathtaking imagery and honest, human encounters, In the Wake of Giants asks how we protect what we love and whether we are willing to change before it is too late.
