FANS poured into Cairns City Cinemas yesterday to grill Canadian film-maker Rob Stewart during two special screenings of his new film Sharkwater.

The 28-year-old biologist, photographer and film-maker is promoting his debut documentary about the plight of sharks and their negative portrayal in the media.

Stewart fielded questions ranging from his marital status to his favourite shark diving moments from almost 400 school children, before another packed screening last night.

In Sharkwater, Stewart explores the exploitation and corruption surrounding the world’s shark populations in the marine reserves of Cocos Island, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

He also spent a year living in Queensland in 2004 where he was able to shoot underwater footage on reefs near Cairns, Port Douglas and Townsville.

"All the beautiful underwater shots were taken on the reef just out from here," he said.

Stewart battled Costa Rican police, angry fishermen and suffered tuberculosis, dengue fever and flesh eating disease during the making of the film.

He released the film at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in 2006 and has received critical acclaim.

Sharkwater is released in local cinemas on May 15.

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