Award-winning filmmakers Sara Pipernos and Mairi Eyres have launched Sunline Films, a new production company specialising in environmental, science and social justice documentaries. The company works across broadcast television, non-profit organisations and purpose-driven brands, creating films that transform complex issues into entertaining, character-driven stories.
Small crews. Big reach.
Sunline Films launches following the announcement that its first feature documentary, The Tuna Truth with Serena Appleby, has secured a nomination at the prestigious Jackson Wild Media Awards. The film and its presenter, Serena Appleby, are nominated for the Onscreen Personality award, alongside Sir David Attenborough, Benedict Cumberbatch and Will Smith.
Sunline’s founders have already established a strong reputation within the documentary industry. Pipernos’ short film Death at Sea and its subsequent impact campaign received nominations and awards from the Royal Television Society, Jackson Wild, and Maritime Media Awards. Their work has been featured internationally by the BBC, SBS Australia, ABC Pacific Beat, the Manila Times, and other leading news organisations.
The production company’s development programme currently includes two feature documentaries and a television series, with Sunline partnering with both UK and US companies and commissioners. The company is looking to expand its slate, welcoming projects from socially driven organisations that build environmental awareness and inspire advocacy through film.
“I am thrilled to launch Sunline and even more so to be launching the company alongside the brilliant Mairi Eyres. To bring broadcast quality production to the voices and ideas that are shaping a better world, that’s a dream.” said Sara Pipernos
“At Sunline Films, we are uniquely placed to combine scientific rigour with emotive storytelling. This is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what Sara and I create together next.” said Mairi Eyres
Pipernos previously worked as a producer/director for Human Rights at Sea, where she led the Death at Sea justice campaign and directed fisheries-focused films for global non-profits, including Blue Marine Foundation and The International Pole & Line Foundation.
Eyres, a shooting director, has produced short films for organisations including RSPB, Pasture for Life and High Weald National Landscape. Her work has featured on the BBC and been recognised at the Sheffield Doc Fest, Royal Television Society, the student BAFTAs and the International Wildlife Film Festival.
Both began their careers as scientists before turning their focus to film: Eyres with a background in chemistry at Cambridge University and the Zhang Lab, and Pipernos as a fisheries policy advocate in Washington DC. Grounded in scientific training and with an expanding slate of original productions, Sunline Films creates documentaries that illuminate complex scientific and social issues through emotion, humour and beautiful visuals.
Human Rights At Sea Connection
“We are delighted to watch the next stage in the professional development of this next generation of filmmakers and associates whom we first came across in 2023 as the Death at Sea film was commenced. The obvious quality of work which Human Rights at Sea has been involved with and benefited from these past years is testimony to the DNA of success. We wish Sara and Mairi the very best for their next steps.”
http://www.sunlinefilms.tv Sunline Films is an award-winning independent production company specialising in environmental, science and social justice documentaries for broadcast television, non-profit organisations and purpose-driven brands.
ENDS.
Source: Human Rights at Sea 2026.
Photo credit: Sara Pipernos, Mairi Eyres 2026.
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