The Dark Side of the Ocean (Rick Rosenthal, 2015)

Director and cameraman Rick Rosenthal is a four time Emmy award winning filmmaker and is the recipient of numerous other international awards for his cinematography of the natural world. Rick has also filmed for several of the very well known nature films, including Plant Earth and Blue Planet. Adding to his talents and passion to the vast ocean he holds an advanced degree in Marine Biology. His latest film, The Dark Side of the Ocean, reveals the earth’s largest migration, the nightly movement of billions of bizarre animals that come to surface from the oceans depths. As well as familiar marine wild life such as sharks, dolphins and whales. While I had the pleasure to screen this film at the 2016 Santa Barbara Film Festival, this amazing documentary will soon be viewed all over the world.

The Dark Side of the Ocean is not only educational but very entertaining. What I found to be the most impressive was not only what came out of the blue but was Rick himself. The trust he has in the ocean and his beautiful camera work he brings to light creatures that one will most likely never see. This film truly makes you wonder how much life we can’t see and makes you realize how small but large impacts humans are in the Eco system.

I stayed after the film for the Q&A where Rick was asked questions such as, “Are you ever scared?” “Is it difficult to swim with such a large camera?” His reply was, “It really is a treat to be able to swim with all these animals. Certain times I have felt frightened but nothing that will stop me from exploring.” He then explained that many a time the camera has actually saved him, using it as a shield from a sting ray or a shark.

The Dark Side of the Ocean is a beautifully well done documentary, one that I would recommend everyone to watch.