MISSION OF THE MERMAIDS BY SUSAN ROCKEFELLER here
Since I was a small child I have admired and loved the ocean; its mystery, ability to soothe and immense power. Mission of Mermaids explores the harsh realities of ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution through the eyes of the mythical and dreamlike mermaid. The film honors those who live from and for the seas and encourages us whether fisherman, activist or beach dreamer to protect our precious waters. It is my most personal film to date and reflects the love and respect that I have for our seas.
It's interesting to think that we as a culture have more desire for a mythical creature, the mermaid, than we do for all the living creatures in the entire ocean. Susan Rockefeller seems to capture your attention with the idea of the mermaid, but then slowly Segways into what we've done to the oceans. This activist stance is a showcase to mans downfall, with small advice on how to help, but nothing more. It seems that if we want big action to occur, we have to create a bigger fuss.
ReplyDeleteIn the consideration of biodiversity (the diversity of life) we can study cultural diversity or cultural production in a region or in relation to different ecosystems. This video uses a popular mythical figure to connect audiences to more sustainable practices and to discuss the plight of the ocean. The idea of love (and the mermaid needing to rest) and the discussion of current fishing practices as" war" (not love) on the biodiversity in the ocean were stronger parts of this production. Are there any myths, stories, or fictions that can assist you all in telling the story of your collections, project 3, or your research?
ReplyDeleteI found the idea of using something not real, but heavily discussed (mermaids) to bring attention to something that is real, but not heavily discussed very interesting. It felt like a very unassuming project, meant to feel accessible but still be very informative which I liked.
ReplyDeleteThis video turns the mythical idea of a mermaid into a metaphor for the ocean itself. Mysterious, beautiful, and alluring, while also dangerous and unpredictable are descriptors that lead the reader to see the might of the ocean itself. This was a way of bringing pop culture and something that is on the surface very appealing and asking for support and increased awareness for ocean activism.
ReplyDeleteThe footage used within this was sooo genuine and I loved it! She didn't have to alter the colors or make the video more "artistic" to get a solid point across, she just utilized raw footage taken. I appreciate her stance against the corruption we have brought to the ocean (such a magical, mysterious, wondrous place) and it is up to us to change these issues we have created. The documentary style talks that she included between swimming scenes also helped to keep the video engaging from beginning to end. Her choice of playing the role of a mermaid adds a sense of entrancement to suck viewers in to learning about reality from a supposedly unrealistic creature. This made me want to go swimming deep within the ocean; however, every time I watch something similar to this video that reminds me how much devastation we have wreaked upon the oceans makes me cringe and wish more could be done about this touchy subject... unfortunately the people who are in charge will always care more about making money and ease of use/accessibility rather than saving natural life...mainly because it isn't visible to most of global civilization.
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