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Coral Gardeners
Sandra Winther directs
Ocean On Fire for Coral Gardeners
November 28, 2024

Sandra Winther writes and directs a new film for Coral Gardeners, Ocean On Fire, in collaboration with Earthrise’s Alice Eady and starring Avatar’s Bailey Bass.

Rising sea temperatures are putting coral reefs in danger and 2024 saw an unprecedented global mass bleaching event. Coral Gardeners are on a mission to restore these vital ecosystems.

What begins as a conversation on a beautiful beach in Mo’orea, soon turns into the realisation that our blue planet is on fire. A story to inspire change, Ocean On Fire was born in support of the protection of the world’s coral reefs, the “gardens of the sea”. The film follows Titouan Bernicot, founder of Coral Gardeners, an ocean conservation movement fighting against coral bleaching. We watch Titouan grow up; from his childhood spent swimming in waters rich with life, to the present day as a leader of a global movement. It highlights the beauty below the ocean waters, the threat it faces today, and most importantly, the role we can play in its restoration. 

The script, written by Sandra Winther and based on interviews with Titouan, provides personal insight into Coral Gardeners' mission to stop these underwater fires. Filmed in Mo'orea, French Polynesia, production involved extensive on-water filming, including night dives, scuba dives, and long hours on boats navigating the shallow reefs. With minimal production design, the authentic, beautiful location offers a genuine and intimate view into Titouan’s mission. 

The film was screened during New York Climate Week, as part of the Make Waves event, featuring a panel of ocean leaders.

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