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National Geographic has joined forces with Sir David Attenborough for the first time to create a feature-length documentary about the health of the world’s oceans. This special project, titled “David Attenborough: Ocean” (working title), is being produced by Silverback Films and will be presented and authored by the esteemed 98-year-old broadcaster.
The documentary aims to convey “the story of how we can, and must, restore the glory of Earth’s vast, interconnected waters.” Drawing from Attenborough’s extensive experience and knowledge, the film will take viewers on a “journey of wonder” through the planet’s most stunning underwater habitats, highlighting the importance of our oceans and offering a message of hope and recovery.
Sir David Attenborough stated, “My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations, and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man. In this film, we share those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can bounce back to life.”
The documentary is set to debut in theaters in 2025 before its global premiere on National Geographic and streaming on Disney+. It will feature breathtaking underwater cinematography by Doug Anderson, known for his work on “Blue Planet” and “Our Planet,” capturing various marine habitats across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The film will showcase practical and affordable solutions to mitigate harmful human activities and restore marine ecosystems to their pristine state.
Tom McDonald, National Geographic’s executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content, expressed his enthusiasm: “There is no one better to deliver this landmark film than Sir David. I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with him many times over the past decade, and so I am, of course, personally and professionally thrilled that he has agreed to work with National Geographic for the very first time on a subject that is timely and close to his heart.”
The film is directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey, and Colin Butfield, and produced by Nowlan for Silverback. Executive producers include Louise Pedersen and Rachel Job for All3Media International, Tom McDonald and Janet Han Vissering for National Geographic, Jasper Smith and Arksen Ltd for 10% for the Ocean, Minderoo Productions Limited, Enric Sala for National Geographic Society and Pristine Seas, Kristin Rechberger for Dynamic Planet, Rolly van Rappard and Francoise van Rappard for Don Quixote ASBL, and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco for The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Audiences can look forward to the film’s release in 2025, coinciding with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).