A film about the invisible crisis
happening along the danish coastline.
Fishermen like Tom have seen the changes over their lifetime. When he started he pulled out 300kg of fish with his small boat close to the coast. Today no fish is there to be found.
For the film “Desert Under Water” Emile Carlsen and I followed people affected by this crisis as well as scientists to understand the reasons for it and what we can do about it. And even when the outlook might be grim, there are ways to change things again.
The film was a collaboration with Greenpeace Denmark.
Along Denmark's serene coastline, an invisible crisis is unfolding. Only 5 out of 109 coastal areas meet good ecological standards, despite national commitments to restore water quality by 2027. Local fishermen like Tom, who once hauled 300kg catches near the shore, now return with empty nets from waters that have turned into underwater deserts.
Why the story matters
good ecological standards
We needed to make an urgent but invisible environmental crisis tangible and emotionally resonant for viewers. The challenge was to create a narrative that could bridge the gap between scientific data and personal experience while fostering dialogue across different stakeholder groups, including those traditionally skeptical of environmental activism.
Partnering with Greenpeace Denmark, we crafted a documentary that prioritized questions over answers, letting affected communities and scientists tell their stories directly. We focused on personal narratives like Tom's to illustrate the dramatic changes in marine life, while weaving in scientific expertise to explain the underlying causes. This approach allowed us to create an emotional connection while maintaining scientific credibility.
The film helped catalyze a national conversation about marine conservation, with Greenpeace organizing screenings throughout Denmark. By bringing together local stakeholders and politicians, the documentary became a powerful tool for environmental advocacy and policy discussion. The film's impact extended beyond traditional environmental circles, successfully engaging diverse audiences in dialogue about coastal protection.
- Production Year: 2021/22
- Client: Greenpeace
- Role: Story Development, Filming, Editing
