Island of Swallows
San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico | Film Feature
Documentary
Mass tourism is pushing Cozumel’s coral reefs to collapse. ISLAND OF SWALLOWS follows both the locals fighting to save their home and the travelers forced to confront their impact, inviting all of us to rethink how we travel and how we affect the world around us.
Island of Swallows
San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico | Film Feature
Documentary
1 Campaigns | Berlin, Germany
Green Light
This campaign raised $15,481 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
44 supporters | followers
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Mass tourism is pushing Cozumel’s coral reefs to collapse. ISLAND OF SWALLOWS follows both the locals fighting to save their home and the travelers forced to confront their impact, inviting all of us to rethink how we travel and how we affect the world around us.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Island of Swallows takes us to the island of Cozumel, Mexico, where paradise and destruction exist side by side.
The film follows German Mendez (pictured below), a marine biologist who spends his days diving beneath the surface, hand-planting coral fragments in a fight to restore the reefs that once made Cozumel famous. Above water, cruise ships unload tens of thousands of tourists daily—families seeking rest, warmth, and escape from their busy lives.
Through German’s tireless work and the tourists’ fleeting encounters, the film reveals a painful paradox: the same industry that sustains Cozumel’s economy is quietly destroying the ecosystem that makes it thrive. And now, the proposed fourth cruise pier, planned directly over the fragile Villa Blanca Reef (a UNESCO heritage site), threatens to erase what little remains.
But Island of Swallows isn’t about blame—it’s about connection. Rather than shaming travelers, the film looks with empathy at everyone caught in this cycle: the locals fighting to protect their home, and the visitors unknowingly contributing to its decline. Shot in an intimate, observational style, it explores two opposing yet intertwined worlds—the fight for preservation and the need to explore—and asks a question at the heart of our global crisis:
How can the island sustain itself economically without losing the natural wonders that make it unique?
(A photo of our team cleaning a reef in December 2024)
WHY NOW?
Cozumel is at a tipping point. Once home to some of the most biodiverse reefs in the Caribbean, more than 80% of its coral cover has already been lost due to pollution, over-tourism, and warming seas. On peak days, roughly 20,000 cruise passengers arrive—that's over 100,000 visitors per week on an island that is inhabited by the same number of people!
Despite community protests, the local government continues to push for more cruise infrastructure. Activists warn that the proposed expansion could destroy the few healthy reef systems that remain. If built, the fourth pier could accommodate up to seven additional cruise ships per day, devastating the delicate marine habitats that sustain Cozumel’s tourism economy and local livelihoods alike.
Coral reefs are a vital part our world because they support about a quarter of all marine life, protect coastlines from erosion, and sustain millions of people through food, tourism, and fisheries.
By joining our journey, you'll be helping us protect so many different aspects of the natural world, as well as communities around the world!
WHY US?
Kaito Sashihara Martínez (Director - left) first met German Mendez while visiting Cozumel as a tourist in 2024. He'd never met a man with such conviction and purpose--German's spirit moved Kaito deeply. Raised between Japan and Spain, Kaito’s multicultural background has given him a unique lens for exploring how cultures collide and coexist. Deeply influenced by Shinto beliefs that revere nature as sacred, Kaito was drawn to not only German’s quiet conviction, but also to the island’s painful paradox—beauty and collapse existing side by side.
Marco Puerto Márques (Cinematographer - right) is a Catalan filmmaker and cinematographer with a passion for storytelling and exploring nature. He and Kaito have collaborated numerous times, developing a deep creative relationship that makes their partnership perfect for this complex story. In the photo above, you can see the two of them on set for their short film, "Pelargonía," a story about the socio-political issue of depopulation in rural Spain.
Jenny Jo Stokka (Creative Producer/Impact Producer) is a creative producer and impact producer who works across North America and Europe and is dedicated to building campaigns that bridge storytelling and real-world change. Jenny focuses on creating partnerships with NGOs, scientists, and sustainability organizations to ensure the film’s impact extends far beyond the screen. Jenny also served as the producer on Kaito & Marco's short film "Pelargonía," so the relationship between the three of them is one built on experience and trust.
Together, Kaito, Marco, and Jenny are crafting Island of Swallows not only as a film, but as a tool for dialogue and transformation—a way to humanize complex environmental issues and inspire more sustainable tourism practices across the globe.
WHAT'S NEXT?
We’re currently in development and preparing to return to Cozumel in January 2026 for a three-week shoot. During this trip, we’ll capture crucial new footage which will form the foundation of our proof-of-concept short. With this short, we can apply for larger grants and pitch to funding partners for a full-length feature. Our goal is to complete the feature documentary by mid-2027.
With both the short film and the feature-length documentary, we plan to travel to festivals & communities around the world in collaboration with conservation groups and eco-tourism educators as part of our robust impact campaign. Our goal is to educate people on the principles and policies of the BLUE ECONOMY:
By supporting our campaign, you won't only help us tell an important story--you'll also help us spread an important message!
WHAT DO WE NEED?
Our needs are simple for this shoot:
EQUIPMENT: $5,650
We will need specialty underwater camera equipment in order to capture the reefs and marine life in Cozumel. Kaito & Marco have quite a bit of their own equipment that they will be bringing with them, but we specifically need CAMERA HOUSING (and additional pieces to accompany the housing) to protect the camera from getting wet underwater. This particular equipment must be purchased as opposed to rented.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION: $4,950
Since our crew is currently based in Europe, we will have to travel to Cozumel and stay there for 3 weeks for the shoot. We are committed to following the tenets of sustainable tourism, which means we will prioritize flights with lower CO2e emissions, rent a hybrid vehicle, and stay in eco-certified accommodations that use renewable energy, reduce water and waste, and support local communities.
FOOD: $2,100
Help us feed our crew for the full 3 week shoot! This money will be spent directly on food / restaurants in Cozumel, thus supporting the local economy.
CREW WAGES: $6,300
Our crew is putting other work on hold to prioritize this film. Your support helps us pay them a fair wage for their time and talent.
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Your support will help us return to Cozumel and bring this story to life. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Contribute to our Seed&Spark campaign — every dollar directly funds filming and post-production.
- Follow our campaign on social media or here on Seed & Spark - our instagram handle is @islandofswallows
- Share the project with friends, ocean lovers, and travelers who care about sustainability.
- Copy the campaign link and post: "Join me in supporting ISLAND OF SWALLOWS, a documentary about the human impact of tourism on fragile ocean ecosystems. Coral reefs are nearing collapse and this film shows why that matters, and who’s fighting to protect them. Help share their story!"
Our funding goal is $19K - we need to raise at least 80% ($15.2K) of this goal in order to keep the money and move forward with the project. Every donation helps us move forward!
Together, we can tell a story that doesn’t just witness the loss of paradise, but inspires a movement to protect it.
Thank you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Underwater Camera Equipment
Costs $5,650
In order to capture the necessary underwater footage, we will need specialty camera equipment + lenses valued at just over $5K.
Travel & Accommodations
Costs $4,950
Help us fly 3 of our key crew from Germany to Mexico, as well as rent a car and book local accommodations for the full 3 weeks.
Food!!
Costs $2,100
Help us feed our crew during the shoot! This money will be spent on small businesses in Cozumel, which will help the local economy.
Crew Wages
Costs $6,300
Help us give the crew a living wage while they are devoting their time and energy to the 3-week shoot.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kaito Sashihara Martínez - Director, Producer
Kaito is a half Japanese half Spanish director and cinematographer focused on multicultural productions. He previously worked on productions across Spain, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Sweden, and Japan. Currently based in Berlin—where he earned his BA in Film Production from Catalyst Institute for Creative Arts—his debut short film “Pelargonía” was chosen to participate in the 78th Cannes Short Film Corner and as an official selection in the Berlin Indie Film Festival. His skill set in niche guerrilla style productions paired with his underwater cinematography has set him on a path to a free-flowing journalistic working style.
Jenny Jo Stokka - Producer, Impact Producer
Jenny Jo Stokka is a creative producer & impact producer with a passion for international auteur-driven cinema. In 2022, Jenny earned her MA in Creative Production from Catalyst Institute for Creative Arts in Berlin, where she sharpened her narrative instincts and collaborative leadership style. Since then, she has produced films across Germany, Spain, and the U.S., including her first feature, “Berlin Loop,” slated for release in Fall 2025 and the short film "Pelargonía," which she produced alongside Kaito. Currently, Jenny is working as an impact producer for the Hot Docs 2025 selection, "The Longer You Bleed," as well as developing her second feature film. In 2025, she joined the producing team at Cota Mil Producciones in Barcelona, expanding her reach within the European market.
Marco Puerto Marques - Cinematographer
Marco Puerto Marques is a Catalan filmmaker based in Barcelona and Berlin. His unique style, strongly influenced by both East Asian and Western surrealist cinema, brings to light topics pertaining to a postmodern society and its evolving aesthetics. In 2024, Kaito Sashihara Martínez & Marco Puerto Marqués co-wrote & co-directed their debut short film together, Pelargonía, which was chosen to participate in the Cannes Short Film Corner 2025 and as an official selection for the Berlin Indie Film Awards 2025.
Shane Warbrooke - Editor
Shane Warbrooke is a New Zealand film and television editor with over a decade of experience across scripted and unscripted television, streaming series, and feature films. His work spans a wide range of genres and formats, reflecting his versatility and commitment to storytelling craft. Throughout his career, Shane has been part of teams nominated three times for Best Factual Television Series at the New Zealand Television Awards — recognition that highlights both his
technical excellence and creative insight. Known for his strong sense of story, pacing, and emotional depth, Shane approaches each project with a focus on bringing authenticity and resonance to the screen. His passion lies in
shaping narratives that engage, move, and connect audiences.
Yosuke Hosoi - Consulting Producer
Yosuke Hosoi (born Saitama, Japan) is an Emmy Award nominated film director based in Berlin, Germany. He has traveled more than 50 countries and directed travel programs and documentaries for NHK World, Tokyo MX TV, and WOWOW. He has been directing the documentary series WHO I AM, which was nominated for the International Emmy Awards in 2018 and 2024, and won the official selection at Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japanese Ministry of Education 2017 for his work.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Island of Swallows takes us to the island of Cozumel, Mexico, where paradise and destruction exist side by side.
The film follows German Mendez (pictured below), a marine biologist who spends his days diving beneath the surface, hand-planting coral fragments in a fight to restore the reefs that once made Cozumel famous. Above water, cruise ships unload tens of thousands of tourists daily—families seeking rest, warmth, and escape from their busy lives.
Through German’s tireless work and the tourists’ fleeting encounters, the film reveals a painful paradox: the same industry that sustains Cozumel’s economy is quietly destroying the ecosystem that makes it thrive. And now, the proposed fourth cruise pier, planned directly over the fragile Villa Blanca Reef (a UNESCO heritage site), threatens to erase what little remains.
But Island of Swallows isn’t about blame—it’s about connection. Rather than shaming travelers, the film looks with empathy at everyone caught in this cycle: the locals fighting to protect their home, and the visitors unknowingly contributing to its decline. Shot in an intimate, observational style, it explores two opposing yet intertwined worlds—the fight for preservation and the need to explore—and asks a question at the heart of our global crisis:
How can the island sustain itself economically without losing the natural wonders that make it unique?
(A photo of our team cleaning a reef in December 2024)
WHY NOW?
Cozumel is at a tipping point. Once home to some of the most biodiverse reefs in the Caribbean, more than 80% of its coral cover has already been lost due to pollution, over-tourism, and warming seas. On peak days, roughly 20,000 cruise passengers arrive—that's over 100,000 visitors per week on an island that is inhabited by the same number of people!
Despite community protests, the local government continues to push for more cruise infrastructure. Activists warn that the proposed expansion could destroy the few healthy reef systems that remain. If built, the fourth pier could accommodate up to seven additional cruise ships per day, devastating the delicate marine habitats that sustain Cozumel’s tourism economy and local livelihoods alike.
Coral reefs are a vital part our world because they support about a quarter of all marine life, protect coastlines from erosion, and sustain millions of people through food, tourism, and fisheries.
By joining our journey, you'll be helping us protect so many different aspects of the natural world, as well as communities around the world!
WHY US?
Kaito Sashihara Martínez (Director - left) first met German Mendez while visiting Cozumel as a tourist in 2024. He'd never met a man with such conviction and purpose--German's spirit moved Kaito deeply. Raised between Japan and Spain, Kaito’s multicultural background has given him a unique lens for exploring how cultures collide and coexist. Deeply influenced by Shinto beliefs that revere nature as sacred, Kaito was drawn to not only German’s quiet conviction, but also to the island’s painful paradox—beauty and collapse existing side by side.
Marco Puerto Márques (Cinematographer - right) is a Catalan filmmaker and cinematographer with a passion for storytelling and exploring nature. He and Kaito have collaborated numerous times, developing a deep creative relationship that makes their partnership perfect for this complex story. In the photo above, you can see the two of them on set for their short film, "Pelargonía," a story about the socio-political issue of depopulation in rural Spain.
Jenny Jo Stokka (Creative Producer/Impact Producer) is a creative producer and impact producer who works across North America and Europe and is dedicated to building campaigns that bridge storytelling and real-world change. Jenny focuses on creating partnerships with NGOs, scientists, and sustainability organizations to ensure the film’s impact extends far beyond the screen. Jenny also served as the producer on Kaito & Marco's short film "Pelargonía," so the relationship between the three of them is one built on experience and trust.
Together, Kaito, Marco, and Jenny are crafting Island of Swallows not only as a film, but as a tool for dialogue and transformation—a way to humanize complex environmental issues and inspire more sustainable tourism practices across the globe.
WHAT'S NEXT?
We’re currently in development and preparing to return to Cozumel in January 2026 for a three-week shoot. During this trip, we’ll capture crucial new footage which will form the foundation of our proof-of-concept short. With this short, we can apply for larger grants and pitch to funding partners for a full-length feature. Our goal is to complete the feature documentary by mid-2027.
With both the short film and the feature-length documentary, we plan to travel to festivals & communities around the world in collaboration with conservation groups and eco-tourism educators as part of our robust impact campaign. Our goal is to educate people on the principles and policies of the BLUE ECONOMY:
By supporting our campaign, you won't only help us tell an important story--you'll also help us spread an important message!
WHAT DO WE NEED?
Our needs are simple for this shoot:
EQUIPMENT: $5,650
We will need specialty underwater camera equipment in order to capture the reefs and marine life in Cozumel. Kaito & Marco have quite a bit of their own equipment that they will be bringing with them, but we specifically need CAMERA HOUSING (and additional pieces to accompany the housing) to protect the camera from getting wet underwater. This particular equipment must be purchased as opposed to rented.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION: $4,950
Since our crew is currently based in Europe, we will have to travel to Cozumel and stay there for 3 weeks for the shoot. We are committed to following the tenets of sustainable tourism, which means we will prioritize flights with lower CO2e emissions, rent a hybrid vehicle, and stay in eco-certified accommodations that use renewable energy, reduce water and waste, and support local communities.
FOOD: $2,100
Help us feed our crew for the full 3 week shoot! This money will be spent directly on food / restaurants in Cozumel, thus supporting the local economy.
CREW WAGES: $6,300
Our crew is putting other work on hold to prioritize this film. Your support helps us pay them a fair wage for their time and talent.
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Your support will help us return to Cozumel and bring this story to life. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Contribute to our Seed&Spark campaign — every dollar directly funds filming and post-production.
- Follow our campaign on social media or here on Seed & Spark - our instagram handle is @islandofswallows
- Share the project with friends, ocean lovers, and travelers who care about sustainability.
- Copy the campaign link and post: "Join me in supporting ISLAND OF SWALLOWS, a documentary about the human impact of tourism on fragile ocean ecosystems. Coral reefs are nearing collapse and this film shows why that matters, and who’s fighting to protect them. Help share their story!"
Our funding goal is $19K - we need to raise at least 80% ($15.2K) of this goal in order to keep the money and move forward with the project. Every donation helps us move forward!
Together, we can tell a story that doesn’t just witness the loss of paradise, but inspires a movement to protect it.
Thank you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Underwater Camera Equipment
Costs $5,650
In order to capture the necessary underwater footage, we will need specialty camera equipment + lenses valued at just over $5K.
Travel & Accommodations
Costs $4,950
Help us fly 3 of our key crew from Germany to Mexico, as well as rent a car and book local accommodations for the full 3 weeks.
Food!!
Costs $2,100
Help us feed our crew during the shoot! This money will be spent on small businesses in Cozumel, which will help the local economy.
Crew Wages
Costs $6,300
Help us give the crew a living wage while they are devoting their time and energy to the 3-week shoot.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kaito Sashihara Martínez - Director, Producer
Kaito is a half Japanese half Spanish director and cinematographer focused on multicultural productions. He previously worked on productions across Spain, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Sweden, and Japan. Currently based in Berlin—where he earned his BA in Film Production from Catalyst Institute for Creative Arts—his debut short film “Pelargonía” was chosen to participate in the 78th Cannes Short Film Corner and as an official selection in the Berlin Indie Film Festival. His skill set in niche guerrilla style productions paired with his underwater cinematography has set him on a path to a free-flowing journalistic working style.
Jenny Jo Stokka - Producer, Impact Producer
Jenny Jo Stokka is a creative producer & impact producer with a passion for international auteur-driven cinema. In 2022, Jenny earned her MA in Creative Production from Catalyst Institute for Creative Arts in Berlin, where she sharpened her narrative instincts and collaborative leadership style. Since then, she has produced films across Germany, Spain, and the U.S., including her first feature, “Berlin Loop,” slated for release in Fall 2025 and the short film "Pelargonía," which she produced alongside Kaito. Currently, Jenny is working as an impact producer for the Hot Docs 2025 selection, "The Longer You Bleed," as well as developing her second feature film. In 2025, she joined the producing team at Cota Mil Producciones in Barcelona, expanding her reach within the European market.
Marco Puerto Marques - Cinematographer
Marco Puerto Marques is a Catalan filmmaker based in Barcelona and Berlin. His unique style, strongly influenced by both East Asian and Western surrealist cinema, brings to light topics pertaining to a postmodern society and its evolving aesthetics. In 2024, Kaito Sashihara Martínez & Marco Puerto Marqués co-wrote & co-directed their debut short film together, Pelargonía, which was chosen to participate in the Cannes Short Film Corner 2025 and as an official selection for the Berlin Indie Film Awards 2025.
Shane Warbrooke - Editor
Shane Warbrooke is a New Zealand film and television editor with over a decade of experience across scripted and unscripted television, streaming series, and feature films. His work spans a wide range of genres and formats, reflecting his versatility and commitment to storytelling craft. Throughout his career, Shane has been part of teams nominated three times for Best Factual Television Series at the New Zealand Television Awards — recognition that highlights both his
technical excellence and creative insight. Known for his strong sense of story, pacing, and emotional depth, Shane approaches each project with a focus on bringing authenticity and resonance to the screen. His passion lies in
shaping narratives that engage, move, and connect audiences.
Yosuke Hosoi - Consulting Producer
Yosuke Hosoi (born Saitama, Japan) is an Emmy Award nominated film director based in Berlin, Germany. He has traveled more than 50 countries and directed travel programs and documentaries for NHK World, Tokyo MX TV, and WOWOW. He has been directing the documentary series WHO I AM, which was nominated for the International Emmy Awards in 2018 and 2024, and won the official selection at Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japanese Ministry of Education 2017 for his work.