What's the project about?
The documentary “Ghost Nets – Battle for the Baltic Sea” shows the critical state of one of Europe's most polluted seas. Eutrophication, overfishing, pollution, underwater noise, and the climate crisis are putting animals and habitats under enormous pressure. Fish stocks such as cod and herring have already collapsed, and species such as porpoises and gray seals are considered highly endangered. Over several weeks, the film accompanies the Sea Shepherd crew of the TRITON as they recover ghost nets in the Baltic Sea. The documentary combines scientific analysis—including by Prof. Dr. Thorsten Reusch (GEOMAR)—with personal insights into the everyday lives of the activists. The film highlights how fragile this ecosystem has become and that change is possible when people act together.
Why is the project relevant?
Many ecological changes in the Baltic Sea occur invisibly beneath the surface of the water. The film translates scientific contexts into tangible stories and shows both threats and concrete options for action in marine conservation.
My role in the project
Together with my fellow director Sarah, I developed the content basis for the documentary. We researched scientific background information on the Baltic Sea, developed the concept, and drafted the interview questions. I was also responsible for editing the film. The dramatic structure of the documentary emerged in the editing room from extensive material gathered during a six-month campaign. As the campaign continued to evolve during filming, the storyline was largely conceived and condensed during the editing process.
Watch the full film here now!
