“A Plastic Ocean”, 2016
Director: Craig Leeson
This documentary illuminates the shocking impact of plastic waste on our oceans and marine life. Directed by Craig Leeson, it follows a filmmaker and a free diver as they investigate the devastating pollution in oceans around the globe. The film showcases the consequences of plastic pollution and proposes potential solutions to the crisis.
Starring: David Attenborough, Sylvia Earle Ph.D., Ben Fogle, Craig Leeson, Jo Ruxton, Gary Stokes, Tanya Streeter, Ivan Varela;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “A Plastic Ocean” on the website imdb.com
“Mission Blue”, 2014
Director: Robert Nixon, Fisher Stevens
This Netflix documentary focuses on the life and work of Dr. Sylvia Earle, a renowned oceanographer, marine biologist, and environmentalist. While its primary focus is on Earle’s campaign to create a global network of protected marine sanctuaries, it also touches upon the various threats to the ocean's health, including pollution. “Mission Blue” highlights the critical state of the world’s oceans due to human activities.
Starring: Barbara Block, James Cameron, Michael deGruy, Sylvia Earle Ph.D., Bryce Groark, Graham Hankes, Jeremy Jackson, Carl Safina, Fisher Stevens, Liz Taylor, Imogen Zethoven;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: documentary, drama;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
“Blue”, 1993
Director: Derek Jarman
Directed by Karina Holden, this film is a provocative journey into the ocean realm, witnessing a critical moment in time when the marine life faces a dire future. It addresses issues of habitat destruction, species loss, and pollution. The film serves as a call to action, urging viewers to fight for a healthier ocean.
Starring: John Quentin, Nigel Terry, Derek Jarman, Tilda Swinton;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama, biography;
Duration: 79 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Blue” on the website imdb.com
“Chasing Coral”, 2017
Director: Jeff Orlowski-Yang
While primarily focused on the phenomenon of coral bleaching and the impacts of climate change on coral reefs, “Chasing Coral” also addresses pollution as a significant factor affecting the oceans. Directed by Jeff Orlowski, the film employs time-lapse photography to show the devastating decline of coral reefs around the world, making a powerful statement about the environmental crisis affecting underwater ecosystems.
Starring: Andrew Ackerman, Pim Bongaerts, Neal Cantin, Phil Dustan, Mark Eakin, Ruth Gates, Manuel González-Rivero, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Joanie Kleypas, Justin Marshall, Trevor Mendelow, Rupert Ormond, James Porter, Morgan Pratchett, Zackery Rago, Luiz A. Rocha, John «Charlie» Veron, Richard Vevers, Sue Wells;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Chasing Coral” on the website imdb.com
These films, through their compelling storytelling and stunning visuals, aim to raise awareness about the dire state of the world's oceans due to pollution. They serve as a reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to preserve and protect marine environments.
In conclusion, films about ocean pollution play a pivotal role in bringing the pressing issue of marine degradation to the forefront of global consciousness. Through a blend of stunning cinematography, heartfelt narratives, and alarming factual evidence, these documentaries and feature films manage to strike a delicate balance between entertainment and education. They not only highlight the beauty and importance of our oceans but also cast a revealing light on the dire consequences of unchecked human activities. By eliciting an emotional response and fostering a deeper understanding of the ecological impact of pollution, these films urge audiences worldwide to reflect on their environmental footprint. As crucial tools for raising awareness and inspiring action, films about ocean pollution are indispensable in the fight to safeguard our planet's precious marine ecosystems for future generations.
