Tides turn against Jaws in new oceanographic film

In his new film, “Sharkwater,” writer/director Rob Stewart takes viewers into the underwater world of what he describes as “magnificent creatures that have gone from predator to prey.”

Presented by the Newport Beach Film Festival and the Orange County Film Society, the movie will premiere at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Regency Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach.

Stewart will introduce the film, which was shot in high-definition video in the marine reserves of Cocos Island, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

Teaming with “renegade conservationist” Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, the two men embarked on a journey that ultimately became a battle between the Sea Shepherd and shark poachers.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students; admission is free for Orange County Film Society members.

For more information, go to www.sharkwater.com.

— Sue Thoensen