Thinus Ferreira
The new documentary film OCEAN with David Attenborough will be shown on National Geographic (DStv 181) on Friday 13 June at 20:30 and will also be released on Disney+.
Released to coincide with the 99th birthday of Sir David Attenborough, OCEAN with David Attenborough just had a special 2-day showing in Ster-Kinekor cinemas across South Africa.
OCEAN with David Attenborough is a Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios co-production, in association with All3Media International, National Geographic, and Minderoo Pictures.
The film is directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey and Colin Butfield and produced by Toby Nowlan.
OCEAN with David Attenborough is National Geographic's first collaboration with Sir David Attenborough and is released a week after World Oceans Day on 8 June.
According to National Geographic, the film "draws upon extensive marine science and was supported by a team of scientific advisors, including National Geographic Pristine Seas founder, Dr. Enric Sala".
The documentary feature "takes audiences on a cinematic journey of wonder through the planet's most spectacular undersea habitats" with Sir David Attenborough showcasing diverse marine ecosystems, from bustling giant kelp jungles and coral reefs to seamount outposts within the open ocean - all of which are revealed to be intricately connected.
Although the film exposes the greatest threats to ocean health, it also has inspirational stories from around the world.
OCEAN with David Attenborough looks at how human actions are causing ocean ecosystem collapse and the effects of destructive fishing techniques, such as dredging and bottom trawling, on entire marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and the global climate.
The film also shows the oceans' incredible resilience and remarkable ability to recover when protected.
"My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man," says Sir David Attenborough in a supplied statement.
"In this film, we share those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can bounce back to life."
Tom McDonald, National Geographic executive vice president of global factual and unscripted content, in a statement, says "I'm thrilled that audiences worldwide will be able to engage with Sir David's signature storytelling and the inspirational message of this film through the power of National Geographic's global platforms".
"There is no one better to deliver this landmark film than Sir David and I'm delighted that he’s working with National Geographic for the very first time on a subject that is timely and close to his heart."