Conservation Stories
I specialize in documentary filmmaking rooted in human stories. By pairing stunning visuals with a sensitive, human-centered approach, I believe in the power of organic sequences and cinéma vérité to forge a connection with the audience, create empathy, and deliver stronger stories that resonate deeply, raise awareness and inspire action.
Projects
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We Are The Bridge (40 min, 2025)
Client: IUCN Oceania
New Zealand, 2025
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Tiaki Moana, Guardians of the Ocean (35 min, 2025)
Client: Blue Cradle Foundation
French Polynesia, 2025
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Canadian Sugar Shack Documentary (14 min, 2025)
Client: Cabane à sucre St-Mathieu-du-Parc
Canada, 2025
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Bird Rescue Documentary
Client: DOC NZ
New Zealand, 2026
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The Ina'a, Protecting a Polynesian Treasure (10 min, 2023)
Client: Blue Cradle Foundation
French Polynesia, 2023
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New Zealand at IMPAC5
Client: Blue Cradle Foundation
Canada, 2023
They trust me.
I have been fortunate to collaborate with organizations and individuals who are deeply committed and intentional in their approach to conservation and the actions they take in this field.
“I loved the storytelling and flow of the documentary. Just seeing the different themes come out and how Mehdi managed to blend them together was exceptional!”
Epeli Nakautoga - Communications Manager at IUCN
“Mehdi Balamissa undertook this project with his heart and soul. He made this documentary within a tight deadline and I must say every scene in the film is brilliantly done.”
Rahul Chand - Protected & Conserved Areas Programme Coordinator at IUCN
Shooting aboard a ferry near Auckland, New Zealand.
Shooting in Auckland, New Zealand.
Interview setup in Auckland, New Zealand.
Shooting in Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Shooting a scene at a protagonist's house in Tahiti.
Shooting amidst the Canadian winter.
Documentary premiere at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
Shooting indoors in New Zealand.
Shooting aboard a ferry between Moorea and Tahiti.
Shooting with a protagonist on the island of Moorea.
Shooting and conducting an interview with the President of French Polynesia.
Filming in a Canadian forest.
About me
Services
As an environmental filmmaker and passionate documentarian, what drives me is telling human stories with sensitivity—stories that document, raise awareness, and inspire action.
Beyond filming—with its strategy, organization, need for flexibility, and the exciting human dynamic—I enjoy leading my projects from start to finish: from pre-production to editing, including team management and post-production supervision, ensuring that every effort contributes to creating a powerful and distinctive work.
Locations
French and Moroccan born, currently based in Montreal, Canada, I have extensive work experience across the Pacific region, Europe, and North America.
Clients
I have been fortunate to gain extensive experience working with clients such as IUCN and the Blue Cradle Foundation. Through these projects, I have explored crucial themes such as nature-based solutions, Indigenous initiatives, and the deep connection between nature and culture.
Recognition
In 2025 alone, my films resonated on major international stages, including the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice and the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.