Sandra Winther Directs Inspiring Story of Climate Resilience for Coral Gardeners

Institute’s Sandra Winther has directed a new campaign film out today for Coral Gardeners, an organization dedicated to the restoration and conservation of coral reefs. Made in collaboration with Earthrise, a climate-forward and impact-driven media studio, the 4-minute 30-second narrative film illustrates the personal story of Coral Gardeners Founder and CEO Titouan Bernicot. Watch “Ocean on Fire” here below.

Ocean On Fire - Who listens when the oceans cries for help

The film features Bernicot as himself, alongside ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ actress Bailey Bass, as they explore Bernicot’s native Mo’orea, the sister island to Tahiti. Interwoven with cinematic vignettes, the film tells an intimate story of Bernicot’s life from childhood to adulthood, and his lifelong connection to the ocean – from his childhood on a pearl farm, to his activism today. Throughout the film, Bass serves as a stand-in for the viewer as we learn through her eyes about the dire effects of rising ocean temperatures, and the ways that Bernicot and Coral Gardeners were inspired to make a difference.

Winther scripted the film following several interviews with Bernicot, and aimed for the piece to feel like a natural conversation between him and Bass. With her extensive experience directing documentary films, Winther was able to bring a refreshing creative perspective in adapting this true story into a scripted film. The result is a unique blend of narrative storytelling that incorporates the real-world subject – an approach not often seen, especially in mission-driven work.

Winther’s work as a director has often dealt with themes of climate change and resilience, most notably in her award-winning documentary short film “Lowland Kids,” which premiered at SXSW 2019 and is now in post-production as a feature film. Her projects have also served as an extension of her own deep personal connection to the ocean and nature through surfing, including her most recent documentary short, “A New Wave.” Throughout the course of her work, Winther became connected with Alice Aedy, the Co-Founder and CEO of Earthrise, who invited her to direct this project.

“Titouan has an incredibly affecting personal story – from his unique childhood to understanding that he had a calling and could help the reef which was his childhood playground. He carved his own path and inspires others by showing how one person can make a difference. It’s an honor to tell his story and amplify the vital work that Coral Gardeners is doing around the world,” shared Winther.

Winther and a small production team shot on location in Mo’orea, working with local talent and real locations from Bernicot’s life to deliver an authenticity that holds viewers’ attention. She tapped collaborator Mika Aberra to serve as the DP, and also worked closely with Coral Gardeners’ Ryan Borne on underwater cinematography. With a wealth of footage, Winther was very hands-on in the edit room alongside editor Lorin Askill. Malaysian composer Jia Lee crafted the score for the film, capturing the atmospheric feeling of the island in a way that felt grounded.

Ultimately the film raises awareness for the dire state of the Earth’s coral reefs – with over 50% impacted this year alone by rising ocean temperatures – and urges viewers to get involved in the mission of Coral Gardeners. By planting resilient corals, Coral Gardeners are working to restore precious ecosystems before it’s too late.

“This film was special because the viewer gets to really see how Titouan’s childhood put him on this trajectory and inspired his work today,” said Winther. “My goal was to illustrate his story in a cinematic way that does justice to the ocean. Seeing things through a child’s eyes gives us a sense of purity – it’s an opportunity for all of us to slow down and feel grounded and connected to something greater.”

For more information, please visit: https://coralgardeners.org/

About Institute
Institute is redefining how stories are told. Founded by award-winning filmmaker and photographer Lauren Greenfield, and producer and entrepreneur Frank Evers, Institute represents auteur-driven visual storytellers and brings multi-platform production expertise to brands and agencies worldwide. Alongside some of the most recognizable names in film and television, Institute has also been an industry leader in uplifting underrepresented talent behind the camera. Directors on the Institute roster include Alison Klayman, Bao Truong, Barbara Kopple, Courtney Brookes, Courtney Loo, Dawn Porter, Jackie van Beek, Karyn Kusama, Lauren Greenfield, Liz Unna, Pamela Adlon, Ray Neutron, Sandra Winther, and Sergii Shevtsov. http://institute.pictures/

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CREDITS:

Director: Sandra Winther
Executive Producer: Alice Aedy
Producers: Chloe Puttock, Bailey Bass, Catherine Plourde
Line Producer: Clément Laot
Cinematographer: Mika Aberra
1st AC: Francesca Amoroso
Underwater Cinematography: Ryan Borne, Noé Langronier
Drone Cinematography: Killian Domingo
Additional Cinematography: Sandra Winther
Sound Recordists: Tuhiva Lambert, Raimana Loussan

Cast
Bailey Bass as herself
Titouan Bernicot as himself
Will Lintanf Nowak as Titouan
Heiteanui Bertholon as teenage girlfriend
Kitea as Titouan
Caroline Bernicot as herself
Gianivai Pineri as childhood friend
Kahea Pineri as childhood friend
Coral Gardeners: Tavaha Huhina, Taiano Teiho, Hannah Stewart, Maoritai Teiho, Tehe
Faretahuai, Loïc Henry, Salomé Chauvelot, Honoarii Tumg

Editor: Lorin Askill @ Exile Edit
Additional Editing: Sandra Winther
Assistant Editors: Melanie Newton, Emmet Ashton
Post producer: Dylan Majerus @ Exile Edit
Original music: Jia Lee
Sound Design: Andrew Tracy and Hayley Livingston @ One Thousand Birds
Colourist: Marina Starke

Graphic Design: Josephine Choy + Beatriz Patarata

Made for: Coral Gardeners
Producers: Clément Laot + Catherine Plourde