Dir. Abraham Joffe ACS
2025 | 100 mins | Australia | English

This screening is presented by DOCLAB and will be followed by a Q&A with director Abraham Joffe hosted by Pip Piper.

Trade Secret: A Gripping Investigation That Exposes Wildlife Protection’s Darkest Loophole
What if the system designed to protect endangered species was actually enabling their exploitation?

Trade Secret is a jaw-dropping six-year investigation that follows photographer Ole Jørgen Liodden, wildlife advocate Iris Ho, and investigative journalist Adam Cruise as they expose the shocking truth behind the legal international trade in polar bear skins. Despite polar bears’ vulnerable status, hundreds are legally killed and sold on global markets every year. As the investigation deepens, it uncovers a disturbing truth: those entrusted with safeguarding the species may be entangled in their continued commercialisation.

This Golden Panda Award-winning documentary (Wildscreen Festival’s highest honor) takes audiences on a riveting journey across nine countries, from the Arctic wilderness to shadowy auction houses and bureaucratic back rooms. Through undercover footage and 240 interviews, director Abraham Joffe ACS reveals the wealthy lobbyists, murky middlemen, and complicit officials who prioritize profit over protection.

For audiences who were moved by The Cove and Blackfish, Trade Secret delivers the same powerful combination of investigative journalism and stunning cinematography. Executive produced by Academy Award winner Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up, Vice), this BAFTA and Oscar contender has earned critical acclaim at festivals including Sheffield DocFest (World Premiere), Hamptons, and Adelaide.

“Superbly crafted—powerful, urgent, and deeply moving…with both journalistic integrity and cinematic finesse,” says Wolfgang Knöpfler, producer of The Ivory Game. Academy Award winner Kartiki Gonsalves calls it “a breathtaking masterpiece and unflinching exposé.”

More than a documentary, Trade Secret is a wake-up call about the systems we trust to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species.

Winner: Golden Panda Award 2025 | BAFTA Contender | Oscar Contender

BBFC Rating
Rated 12A – Upsetting scenes, infrequent strong language

What is DOCLAB?

DOCLAB brings together novice and emerging filmmakers from across Devon who are currently, or aspiring to, make short and longer form documentary films. The aim is to inspire and enable participants through networking, film screenings and talks/workshops and ultimately to discover who is out there and what YOU need.

DOCLAB is a collaboration between Exeter Phoenix and documentary filmmaker Pip Piper.

Venue: Studio 74, Exeter Phoenix

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>