El Mar, Mi Alma (The Sea, My Soul),Stephen L. Jones,2011: Austalia

Reviewed by Linda Sweatt. Viewed at the Metro 4 Theater, Santa Barbara film festival.

Have you ever been to Chile? If not, here’s a great opportunity! El Mar, Mi Alma (The Sea My Soul) is a beautiful combination of art, poetry, surfing and activism. Simplistic and down to earth, rhythm connects music and waves as the  editing corresponds. Synchronistic between sound and images, this film has a lovely sense of harmony and serenity while handling some serious topics.

As the richest country in South America Chile is currently developing so fast it can barely keep up with itself.  The fish farming industry, the logging industry and the hydro electric power industry are some of the main polluters seriously damaging the pristine coast line of Chile. These industries, plus mining, plus city waste are all running into the sea, contaminating and destroying Chile’s Eco-systems.

The Australian film makers, Stephen Jones and Tatia Valesca are both professional enviromental scientists who put together an environmental campaign for local environmental issues on the Chilean coast;  promoting Eco-friendly tourism as a sustainable industry, such as surfing and whale watching. Their original objective was to gain support for anti-whaling and join surfers against whale and dolphin slaughter.

As Tatia Valesca is an Australian woman originally from Chile,  she made it a priority to not intrude with the traditional imperialistic perspective, and was very concerned with the local Chileans thoughts and reality. The interviews are up close, personal and insightful. People say,  “The sea is a philosophy of life”and “I owe my life to the sea”.  One old fisherman said, “For me, Chile is the most beautiful place in the world. We need to take care of the sea and take responsibility. She’s our source of life and I am prepared to give my life to defend her.”

This film makes a point of incorporating local Chilean’s art as well.  Beloved Chilean poet, (and national treasure) Pablo Naruda is recited to the rhythm of the waves. Manuel Garcia’s music flows with the surfing. Chilean folk music follows perfectly the stream water sounds. South American drumming beats in sync with surfers graceful moves. Heart felt sacred flamenco saturates waves crashing and birds diving. Long shots without cuts really allow one to participate and ride the waves along with the surfers. This film exudes the relaxing feelings of freedom that come directly from the ocean.

We explore Chile’s rugged coast line, steep sand mountains and unique villages. My personal favorite is  the old architectural jewel of Valparaiso, full of beautiful murals and old colorful fishing boats. Dancers in the plaza street convey the spirit and flavor of the rich culture of Chile.

I especially enjoyed this film of the absolute gorgeous Chilean coast line because I recently traveled to Chile and fell in love with the country for myself. But not only did I love this movie, the film makers loved taking El Mar, Mi Alma (the Sea, My Soul) back to show in Chile and gained their overwhelming approval. This film is not only a tool but a call for action, receiving allot of support already. Local Chileans are organizing, speaking out and demonstrating. As they work to create national parks, recently making great strides, the Chilean government announced their waters ‘Whale Sanctuaries’.