ALIENS OF THE SEA
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 theInternational
Wildlife Film Festival in Montana (2000).
"Rightly enough, the narration recalls Artrhur 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."
Andrew L. Urban
"A magical and breathtaking experience, watching Aliens of The Sea is like
snorkelling in your lounge room. Just as Microcosmos dazzled us with the world's minute
creatures, Aliens of The Sea bewitches us with the wonder of nature's extraordinary sea
life. Many of the creatures we meet look as though they could have come out of a child's
imagination and sculpted in plasticine or came off a fancy dress parade. Vivid colours and
exotic shapes of creatures you could only dream about are beautifully photographed, while
we listen to soothing strains of musical harmonies. As the title implies, this world
beneath, filled with diverse and complex elements, must surely be the inspiration for
spaceships, innovative design and imbues with the sensation of calm. The beautiful living
corals, the thick lipped fish with a soulful expressions, the multi-coloured creatures
that slink, flip and glide in the calm of this silent watery world – we can only gasp
in amazement and humbly feel grateful that we too are a part of this wondrous world. This
is a superb production that inspires and fascinates. There's a new discovery every single
second: I was mesmerized from start to finish. An oasis in this frenetic world of speed
and stress, Aliens of the Sea is a must for anyone with a curiosity about life.
Congratulations to Pawel Achtel on this remarkable achievement! But don't take my word,
see it for yourself!"
Louise Keller

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CRITICAL COUNT
Favourable: 2
Unfavourable: 0
Mixed: 0

ALIENS OF THE SEA (G)
(Australia)
DOCUMENTARY
PRODUCER, WRITER (CONCEPT), DIRECTOR, EDITOR, ANIMATOR, CAMERA : Pawel Achtel
SCRIPT: Andrew Ford
2ND EDITOR, CO-DIRECTOR: Michael Wooller
NARRATOR: Tim Elliott
MUSIC: Gordon Reid
RUNNING TIME: 50 minutes
AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR: Pawel Achtel
AUSTRALIAN RELEASE: November 16, 2000 in Melbourne only
Awards
1st Prize, Gold Camera Award, 33rd International Film and Video Festival
in Chicago, 2000;
See WEBSITE
(can also buy DVD $35.95 or VHS $32.95 online)
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