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 organisation dedicated to the restoration and conservation of coral reefs. Made in collaboration with Earthrise, a climate-forward and impact-driven media studio, the four-minute 30-second narrative film illustrates the personal story of Coral Gardeners founder and CEO Titouan Bernicot.

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.

Sandra 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, Sandra 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.

Sandra’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, Sandra 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 honour to tell his story and amplify the vital work that Coral Gardeners is doing around the world,” shared Sandra.

Sandra 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, Sandra 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 Sandra. “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.”

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