Oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface, yet for many they are distant from our routine and daily thoughts. Ocean documentaries not only encourage exploration, but have an important role in raising awareness of Earth’s marine ecosystems, offering an alternative perspective on our relationship with nature and the respect it warrants. Below are five unmissable ocean documentaries showing from both above and below the surface, should you decide to take the plunge.
Sea Gypsies : The Far Side of the World (2017)
This unique documentary is the inspiring account of a group of modern nomads. They sail 8,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean from New Zealand to Antarctica, and then onto Patagonia. With a crew of just 16 individuals from around the globe on board Infinity, the hand-built 120-foot vessel, Sea Gypsies is just as much about camaraderie and the desire to find deeper meaning in life as it is about the exploration of the ocean and Earth’s least visited continent. Available to rent on iTunes, this is sure to persuade you to throw off the bowlines.
Mission Blue (2014)
Available to stream on Netflix, this must-watch feature documentary follows marine biologist and oceanographer Sylvia Earle as she campaigns for global awareness and the preservation of marine reserves. Through examining her life’s work, Earle stresses the extent of man-made damage on marine ecosystems through actions like overfishing, and how this will impact us in the future. Despite this, Earle’s passion and lack of inhibition in her work gives an inherently positive message, showing that both hope and ocean biodiversity is not yet lost.
Moving Art : Oceans (2014)
This short documentary combines music and beautiful underwater cinematography to uniquely present the breathtaking power of the natural world. Absent of any dialogue, this film concentrates on the mesmerising settings and unknown world below the surface that we may not be aware of. Not to be missed, this documentary, as well as the rest of the Moving Art series, is also available to watch on Netflix.
Whale Chasers (2015)
Through the fascinating story of an unlikely group of ex-whalers turned ‘citizen scientists’, this documentary recounts the history of whaling in New Zealand and its devastating effects. The devoted volunteers pursue a study into the recovery of the New Zealand humpback whale population and examine the migration patterns of these enthralling, threatened marine mammals. This incredible story is an example and celebration of modern sensibilities regarding the way we treat our oceans.
Fishpeople (2017)
Following a small collection of inspiring individuals who have dedicated their lives to the ocean, Fishpeople demonstrates the positive effects time spent in the sea can have on wellbeing. For these characters, including surfers, spearfishers, long-distance swimmers, and a group of disadvantaged children, the ocean is a utopia of freedom and possibility, as they have each discovered comfort in this vast expanse of beauty.
HCX hopes that you will get into these sea themed documentaries and that they will inspire you to brave the wave!