Producer / Director: Christian Ihrybauer
Event Organiser: Niki Allen / Punta Allen Fishing Tournament
Distribution: JRG GmbH
Camera: Christian Ihrybauer / Stephan “Leo” Ihrybauer
Drone: Stephan “Leo” Ihrybauer / Christian Ihrybauer
Photography: Christian Ihrybauer
Sound Design: Matthias Ihrybauer
Post Production: GRANULAR Production House
Art Direction: Katharina Mair / KMDC Design Studio
Music: Crussen, Yeahman, Parra for Cuva, K-Paul & Kid Simian, Montoya
Sponsors: Patagonia Flyfish, S. Kent Rockwell Foundation, Thomas & Thomas Flyrods, Enrico Puglisi Flies, Frontiers Travel, Yellowdog Flyfishing Adventures
BALANCE is a heartfelt documentary that offers a deep dive into the lives of a young fishing family in Punta Allen, Mexico. This small fishing village, nestled on the southernmost tip of the Riviera Maya within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, is both isolated and idyllic. The documentary follows the Tax family—Pedro, Isla, and Leonel—as they navigate their daily lives, with Pedro being a respected fly-fishing guide who won the prestigious Ascension Bay Permit Tournament in 2018. This annual tournament not only supports the local economy but also raises awareness about the environmental challenges facing Punta Allen’s waters and its fishing community.
Filmed between 2015-2019, BALANCE was the culmination of four years spent living in Punta Allen, capturing the delicate balance required to keep the environment healthy, the economy sustainable, and the community thriving. The film explores the challenges of living in such a unique place, while celebrating the beauty and strength of the people who call it home.
The documentary was officially selected for several film festivals, including the Melkbos Short Film Festival (with special mention), the Festival de Cinema de Alter do Chão, and the Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions at Pinewood Studios. It premiered to a full house at Top Kino in Vienna.
Sponsors: The S. Kent Rockwell Foundation, Patagonia, Thomas & Thomas Flyrods, Frontiers Travel, Enrico Puglisi Flies, Yellowdog Flyfishing Adventures.
Music Sponsors: Crussen, Parra for Cuva, Yeahman, Montoya, K-Paul & Kid Simius.
The aim of BALANCE was to highlight the environmental challenges and economic struggles of the fishing community in Punta Allen, Mexico, by focusing on the Tax family and their life in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere. The documentary sought to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the preservation of local ecosystems, while promoting the Ascension Bay Permit Tournament, which supports the community’s economy and education. BALANCE achieved significant recognition, being officially selected for multiple prestigious film festivals, including Melkbos Short Film Festival, Festival de Cinema de Alter do Chão, and Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions at Pinewood Studios. Its successful premiere at Vienna’s Top Kino, combined with sponsorship from Patagonia and Yellowdog Flyfishing Adventures, amplified its message of environmental and cultural preservation.
BALANCE - Life on the Border of Humanity achieved its goal of highlighting the critical balance between environmental preservation and economic survival in Punta Allen, Mexico. By focusing on the personal story of the Tax family and the wider community, the film raised awareness of the environmental and cultural challenges facing the region. Its successful festival circuit and full-house premiere in Vienna, combined with key sponsorships, underscored its impact. *BALANCE* stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable practices and the resilience of those living in harmony with nature.
