Documentaries

The world of media and communication is continually evolving and jumping bounds in bringing humans closer together. People from opposite ends of the planet can speak face to face, and the click of a button carries us into an endless world of information. The world is open and more intertwined than it has ever been.

Yet we still recognize the importance and gift of travel, seeking out tangible adventures and new areas to discover and explore. Luckily we have merged technology and natural exploration, allowing us to dive into the underwater world or run through the busy streets of India from the comforts of home.

Eco-Odyssey values the information media resources relay worldwide, allowing people to take part and feel connected to an event or adventure occurring across the globe, and experience a journey they would otherwise not embark on...

Scroll down our Documentary page to find some of our favorite short films communicating valuable issues facing our global environment today.

These films are thought-provoking, powerful, beautiful and occasionally heart-wrenching expressions of our living world. Valuable and insightful, documentaries being made today are crucial in exposing some truths about our oceans and its ecosystems, and the widespread effects of a global rise in temperature. Viewing is highly recommended!!

Ocean Giants

Ocean giants is a fantastic series created by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and in this documentary the viewer is taken underwater and into the wonderous world of whales. Covering the expanse of the globe, esteemed videographers set out to swim and film the intimate behaviours and beauty of every unique mammal they encounter. Up close and visually stunning, this short film will ignite a love and respect for whales in everyone who watches.

For more on Ocean Giants and how you can view this documentary (and help whales!) please link to BBC's wildlife page: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/14410355, http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013q4z6

Cool It

Bjorn Lomborg, author of "The Skeptical Environmentalist", founder and director of the Copenhagen Consensus Center (C.C.C.) brings us Cool It (2011). Lomborg has brought together the world's top economists to discuss and work through crucical problems such as Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and the lack of potable water. Given the hugely differing in opinion over Global Warming, Bjorn takes us into his mission to develop the smartest, most effective, and most financially sound solutions to climate change, environmental pollution and the world's biggest problems.

Visit the "Cool It" website here  http://coolit-themovie.com/

The Cove

In 2009, a powerful documentary exposing a largely unknown practice, shocked the world. "The Cove", directed by former National Geographic photographer Louie Psihoyos and written by Mark Monroe, is centered around the annual Japanese 'Dolphin drive hunts' carried out in Taiji, Japan.

A group of passionate activists, including former dolphin 'Flipper' trainer Ric O'Barry, seek to shed a bright light on Japan's dolphin hunting culture by travelling to Taiji and capturing the so-called 'drive hunts' which depicts the gruesome capture and killing of thousands of dolphins.

This documentary fuels high emotions, opinions, and reactions. Upon its release, "The Cove" won an Academy Award for "Best Documentary" and subsequently has been highly acclaimed worldwide. An excellent film to watch, no matter which stance you may hold on the issue of commercial whaling.

Visit the official website at: http://www.thecovemovie.com/

The End of the Line

A film by Rupert Murray, The End of the Line (2008) digs into the harsh realities facing our world oceans today, and highlights the massive implications industrialized fishing has meant for our world. Key scientific experts discuss depleting fish stocks across the globe, the increased demand for endangered species, irresponsible and destructive fishing methods, and the poor enforcement of fishing regulations. This documentary offers positive options, solutions and changes that can be made to help the ocean recuperate and repair from a history of human exploitation.

The End of the Line can be found on Facebook, with a page offering current global fisheries news and developments. Click here to view: http://www.facebook.com/endofthelinemovie?sk=wall

Sharkwater

Creator Rob Stewart brings us the enticing, disturbing, and beautifully crafted "Sharkwater".

In 2008, this documentary showed the world the true nature of sharks, their incredible resilience and importance to our ocean's ecosystems. However, the vital message "Sharkwater" relays is that the practice of 'shark finning' is destroying shark populations on a global scale.

Along with co-star Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Stewart takes us a along a world wind adventure on the high seas, showing us the gentle nature of sharks as well as the fight against illegal shark fishing, finning, and all the corrupt industries and governments working to keep this lucrative practice alive and well. All the while, Stewart fights to show the world and hopefully convince us to help keep sharks alive in our oceans.

Visit the "Sharkwater" website by clicking here: http://www.sharkwater.com/

March of the Penguins

Taking home an Academy award for Best Documentary Feature, this 2005 French Nature film depicts the lives of Antarctica's Emperor Penguins. Co-written by Luc Jacquet and produced by Bonne Pioche and National Geopgraphic, 'March of the Penguins' was filmed over the course of one year around the French scientific base of Dumont d'Urville in Adelie Land. Laurent Chalet and Jerome Maison recorded all footage for the picture which is narrated by actor Morgan Freeman.

'March of the Penguins' is not only an informative and educational film, but also provides a very personal look into the arduous and volatile lives of Penguins. The latter are almost mystical creatures living so far beyond human settlement it is hard to imagine the incredible journeys these animals accomplish every year. Thankfully this documentary exposes the very essence of Penguin life, from travels to ancestral breeding grounds to lengthy missions to the ocean and back to feed their young, 'March of the Penguins' is nothing short of spectacular.

To learn more about this film and learn more about Antarctica's special inhabitants, link to Eco-Odyssey's 'Polar Regions' section here: http://www.eco-odyssey.com/main/hot-topics/Polar-Regions.html

National Geographic also offers details on how to purshase this film and provides fun games and educational tools relating to Penguins. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/marchofthepenguins

BBC's Blue Planet

This documentary series from the British Broadcast Corporation (BBC) is a film production of epic proportions, having changed the way humans understand the oceans and subsequently the planet as a whole. Bringing a comprehensive compilation of documentaries each dealing with separate ocean aspects, 'The Blue Planet' opens up the ocean world and exposes the very richness and complex web of life within it.

Providing a natural history of our oceans, the 8 episodes entitled The Deep, Open Ocean, Frozen Seas, Seasonal Seas, Coral Seas, Tidal Seas, Coasts and The Blue Planet each offer 50 minutes of phenomenal imagery and educational narration by Naturalist legend David Attenborough. Produced by Alastair Fothergill and Discovery, this documentary also features carefully crafted music by George Fenton.

'The Blue Planet' was release in 2001 and still today continues to enlighten viewers worldwide. A guaranteed delight, these films can be watched again and again as new discoveries will be made each time. The ocean's magic captured perfectly, please don't miss out on this film experience.

For more information on this series, please link to the BBC Nature segment online. http://www.bbc.co.uk/search/?q=The%20blue%20planet