Andrew L. Urban

SYNOPSIS:

Two years in the making, this documentary features a spectacular array of Australian sea creatures, filmed in their natural habitats at locations around the Australian coastline from Kangaroo Island (South Australia) to the Coral Sea. Many of the creatures captured on film are rare, and all are unique in some way. Exotic, bizarre, spikes, sponges and gliding fantasies like aliens from another planet. The film has also won awards at the New York International Film Festival and the International Wildlife Film Festival in Montana (2000). "Rightly enough, the narration recalls Arthur C. Clarke's observation that the Earth is perhaps misnamed, since it is largely ocean. And what mysteries the ocean holds as we have seen a countless times before. Yes, but not like this, with some of the most exotic creatures right here on our doorstep, as it were. Achtel, using specially devised lighting equipment and enormous patience, has also utilised his great sensitivity to bring us images of these creatures that are captured in a benign, almost spiritual style. Exceptional moments include extended images of the rarely seen leafy sea dragon, which resembles a cross between a floating, shredded coat and a misformed stag; a giant Australian cuttlefish; a rarely seen Australian sea lion frolicking; seahorses, manta rays and dozens more. It is accompanied by unintrusive narration and Reid's harmony-driven score. Anyone who has ventured underwater (with snorkel or SCUBA) will cherish the work, and those haven't are in for an eye-opener. It's an adventure without stress, a sublime exploration of amazing life, out of our day to day experience."