The 90-minute documentary, Planet Ocean, directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot in partnership with the Swiss watchmaker Omega, has just begun a noble mission of changing the way people look at the oceans and our planet in global. The movie that had the world’s premiere at Earth Summit 2012 in Rio, shows the work of leading aerial and underwater cinematographers, oceanographers and biologists, which testifies about dangers threatening our oceans.
Aiming to clarify some of the biggest natural mysteries at the most understandable way, Planet Ocean sends a clear message that a ”more sustainable world is not only desirable but achievable”. By combining stunning aerial shots with underwater imagery, Arthus-Bertrand and his award-winning team of cameramen turns the attention on the urgency of the action to be taken in order to save the oceans and the planet.
When Omega had presented him the Planet Ocean project (the Planet Ocean is also the name of Omega’s iconic watch line), Arthus-Bertrand accepted it almost immediately. As he said, it was time to look at things directly, to illustrate and to denounce the dangers. ”This documentary is not intended to moralize, but rather to raise consciousness”, said the world’s leading specialist in aerial photography and announced free accessibility of his movie to all interested NGO.
Omega’s President, Stephen Urquhart, does not believe that anybody would do better job than Arthus-Bertrand. “Yann has a unique combination of skills that have allowed him to capture and communicate the majesty and the beauty of the oceans cinematically. He, Michael and their team have done a remarkable job”, said the President of the Swiss watchmaking brand.
Omega has a long-lasting relationship with the planet’s oceans. By developing the world’s first divers’ watch, back in 1932, it was of a great help to all naturalists and underwater explorers, providing a useful tool for their oceanographic missions. With his support of oceanic health and exploration, one of these great men specially inspired the Swiss watchmaker to participate in the Planet Ocean film. His name is Sir Peter Blake, OMEGA’s friend and the brand’s ambassador who had spent decades protecting oceans. Unfortunately, he was killed by pirates in December of 2001, but the non-profit organization that he founded, Tara Expeditions, has been continuing with educational and scientific missions.
