About Chasing Coral

Chasing Coral is an acclaimed science and nature documentary that was released in 2017. Directed by Jeff Orlowski, the film explores the devastating effects of climate change on coral reefs around the world. Through breathtaking underwater cinematography and compelling storytelling, Chasing Coral sheds light on the urgent need to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Chasing Coral follows a team of marine biologists, divers, and photographers as they embark on a daring mission to document the alarming decline of coral reefs. The film focuses on the phenomenon known as coral bleaching, where rising ocean temperatures cause coral polyps to expel the colorful algae that provide them with nutrients and give them their vibrant hues.

The crew travels to various locations worldwide, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the waters surrounding the Maldives, to capture the impact of climate change on these fragile ecosystems. In their quest to raise awareness, they deploy innovative time-lapse cameras that reveal the rapid bleaching and death of corals over a short period of time.

Chasing Coral not only highlights the devastating ecological consequences of coral bleaching but also explores the emotional toll it takes on scientists and activists who are dedicated to protecting these underwater wonders. The film serves as a call to action for individuals, governments, and communities to take immediate steps to address climate change and protect the delicate balance of marine life.

Making / Production

The making of Chasing Coral required a dedicated team of filmmakers, scientists, and technicians. Director Jeff Orlowski, known for his previous work on the acclaimed documentary Chasing Ice, assembled a group of passionate individuals committed to capturing the urgency and beauty of coral reefs.

The crew faced numerous challenges during the production, including technical difficulties with the time-lapse cameras, unpredictable weather conditions, and the emotional toll of witnessing the devastation of coral reefs firsthand. Despite these hurdles, they persevered in their mission to document the reality of coral bleaching and its devastating impact.

Actors

• Richard Vevers - Founder of The Ocean Agency and protagonist of the film. He leads the expedition and brings attention to the critical state of coral reefs.
• Zack Rago - A passionate coral enthusiast and self-taught underwater photographer who plays a key role in capturing the time-lapse footage of coral bleaching.
• Dr. Ruth Gates - A leading coral reef expert who offers scientific insights and knowledge about the factors contributing to coral bleaching.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Chasing Coral took over three years to film, with the crew visiting over 30 countries and capturing more than 500 hours of underwater footage.
• The filmmakers used specially designed time-lapse cameras to capture the stunning and alarming transformation of coral reefs over weeks and months.
• The documentary premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and received widespread critical acclaim.

Awards

Chasing Coral has received several awards and nominations, including:

• Winner of the U.S. Documentary Audience Award at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival
• Winner of the Environmental Advocacy Award at the 2017 Cleveland International Film Festival
• Nominated for Outstanding Nature Documentary at the 2018 News & Documentary Emmy Awards

Quotes

• "Coral reefs are under tremendous threats, primarily as a result of human activities." - Richard Vevers
• "The world is changing, and we have to change with it." - Zack Rago
• "Coral reefs are the canary in the coal mine." - Dr. Ruth Gates

Music / Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Chasing Coral features original music composed by Dan Romer. The atmospheric and emotional score complements the stunning visuals and enhances the film's impact.