Educational Media Reviews Online

Cinematographer and director David Hannan worked on this film for eight years in order to capture the magnificence and unique life of coral. This film was filmed in Western Australia and New Guinea and throughout the Coral Sea. The Coral Sea happens to be one of the most unique places on Earth and one of the last reminders of healthy biodiversity.

Throughout this film we see crabs, eels, sea stars [star fish], sea turtles and sea horses living amongst giant schools of barracuda and sailfish. Preindustrial seas were more clean and clear and allowed life, such as that which is seen in this film, to easily exist. Unfortunately, scientists predict that in the coming century that sea life and coral reefs will be faced with the catastrophic effects of pollution and ocean acidification. The coral reefs that have influenced and supported marine evolution for millions of years may not be able to function as they have been; they may no longer have the ability to build undersea cities that support all types of marine life. Sadly, it has been estimated that 70% of the world’s reefs are either in serious danger or have already been destroyed. Scientists believe that we are headed toward a mass extinction of reef and marine life. In late 2009, the International Union for Conservation of Nature made the same warning as these scientists and went as far as to claim, “extinction for almost half the world's coral reef species, a third of amphibians and a quarter of mammals” is a possibility. Most environmental groups and marine scientists believe that the problem can be thwarted by human intervention. There is hope. By ceasing to pollute our seas with agricultural pollutants that raise CO2 levels, the reefs can begin to heal.

Radical change in human behavior would need to be made in order for this shift to occur. Along with lowering CO2 levels, mankind would need to stop overfishing. Just one fishing net can collect a ton of fish at once. One-hundred million tons of fish are pulled out of the sea each year. Think of that number—one-hundred million tons is the equivalent weight of approximately one-hundred million economy-sized automobiles.

Saving our reefs, helps save our entire planet and all life that exists on land and sea. National Geographic has called Coral Sea Dreaming: Awaken, “a beautiful, beautiful film.” It is perhaps one of the most breathtaking pieces of cinematography ever produced.

Awards

• 2010 Special Jury Award for the Best Photography at the International Festival for Underwater Images