Watch Saving Atlantis

Saving Atlantis, released in 2018, is a documentary film that explores the causes and consequences of the decline of coral reefs around the world. Narrated by renowned actor Peter Coyote, the movie takes the audience on a journey to some of the most beautiful and important coral reefs on the planet and highlights the efforts of scientists, activists, and locals who are fighting to save these fragile ecosystems.

The movie begins with a brief history of coral reefs and their importance for marine biodiversity and human well-being. We learn that coral reefs are home to more than 25% of all marine species and provide food, livelihoods, and protection from natural disasters to millions of people. However, we also learn that coral reefs are facing multiple threats, such as climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing, pollution, and tourism. These threats are causing coral bleaching, disease outbreaks, coral death, and ultimately, the collapse of entire reef systems.

The movie then follows the work of several scientists who are studying the impact of these threats on coral reefs and trying to find ways to mitigate them. We see them diving into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the coral triangle in Indonesia, and the Caribbean Sea, collecting data on water temperature, acidity, and pollutants, and experimenting with new techniques to grow and transplant corals. We also see them interacting with local communities, who depend on the reefs for their subsistence and cultural identity, and educating them about the risks of overfishing and destructive practices.

One of the most inspiring stories in the movie is that of the Coral Gardeners, a group of young Tahitian activists who are using traditional techniques to revive coral reefs in their home island. We see them building underwater nurseries, harvesting coral fragments, and planting them back onto degraded reefs, with the help of schools, churches, and tourists. Their mission is not only to restore the health of coral reefs but also to empower and educate the younger generation about the importance of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage.

Another positive aspect of the movie is the recognition of the role of indigenous knowledge and spirituality in the conservation of coral reefs. We see how native Hawaiians, Micronesians, and Polynesians have developed a deep connection with the ocean and its resources and how they have incorporated this connection into their cultural practices, such as storytelling, dance, and art. We also see how they have been marginalized and exploited by colonialism, capitalism, and environmental degradation, and how they are reclaiming their rights and voices through activism and advocacy.

Throughout the movie, we hear from a diverse range of stakeholders, including fishermen, tourism operators, policymakers, and conservationists. They all have different perspectives and interests in relation to coral reefs, and they all contribute to the complex and dynamic social-ecological systems that surround them. We learn that saving coral reefs requires not only scientific expertise but also political will, economic incentives, and social awareness. We also learn that the fate of coral reefs is intertwined with the fate of humanity, as they provide a tangible example of the consequences of global environmental change and the need for collective action.

The cinematography of the movie is stunning, featuring breathtaking underwater footage of colorful corals, exotic fish, and curious creatures. The soundtrack is also well-crafted, combining original music with local sounds and voices, creating a sense of immersion and empathy. The pacing of the movie is sometimes slow, as it focuses more on the process and the people than on the action and the drama. However, this approach allows the audience to appreciate the complexity and the beauty of the subject matter and to reflect on their own relationship with nature.

Overall, Saving Atlantis is an informative and engaging documentary that sheds light on one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. It shows that despite the challenges and the uncertainties, there is still hope for the future of coral reefs, and that we can all contribute to their conservation in different ways. It also invites us to rethink our values and our priorities as a global society and to recognize the interdependence of all life on Earth.

Saving Atlantis is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.