My Octopus Teacher

About My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher is a documentary film that showcases a filmmaker's extraordinary relationship with an octopus in a South African kelp forest. Released in 2020, the film takes viewers on a captivating journey of friendship, trust, and understanding between a man and a fascinating marine creature.

Explore

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

About

My Octopus Teacher follows the story of filmmaker Craig Foster as he develops an unusual bond with a wild octopus while free diving in the cold waters of the South African coast. The documentary chronicles Foster's daily visits to the underwater world where he observes and interacts with the octopus, gaining a deep understanding of its intelligence and survival instincts. Through this unique connection, Foster learns important life lessons and experiences a profound emotional transformation.

Making / Production

The film was co-directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed. Shot over the course of a year, the production team faced numerous challenges in capturing the intimate moments between Foster and the octopus without disrupting their natural habitat. The underwater cinematography and stunning visuals were critical in portraying the beauty and complexity of the marine ecosystem.

Actors

• Craig Foster - Played himself, showcasing his real-life experiences and bond with the octopus.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The octopus featured in the film was named "Heidi" by Foster.
• The documentary highlights the extraordinary intelligence and adaptability of octopuses, shedding light on their fascinating behaviors.
• My Octopus Teacher received critical acclaim for its storytelling and cinematography, earning praise for its emotional depth and authenticity.

Awards

My Octopus Teacher won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2021, recognizing its impact and artistry in the genre of science and nature documentaries.

Quotes

• "In that very first meeting with her, you could see she was very comfortable with me." - Craig Foster
• "The coolest thing about it was she was wiling to discover. You could see the trust." - Craig Foster

Music / Soundtrack

• The film features a captivating original score composed by Kevin Smuts, enhancing the emotional depth of the storytelling.