Ep 3. Pippa Ehrlich - My Octopus Teacher

For those not familiar, the film documents the incredible and most unlikely relationship between naturalist, Craig Foster and a curious young Octopus found in the Kelp Forests near Cape Town, South Africa. Following this inter-species connection over the course of a year, the film showcases one of the most profound underwater experiences and has been labelled as ’the love story that we all need right now”. It is a stunning piece of film that speaks on the fragility of life and humanities connection with nature.

...a collective of scientists, storytellers, journalists and filmmakers - dedicated to exploring and documenting The Great African Sea Forest. Their mission is one of 'nature storytelling’ - and that if you want to inspire behavioural change and a deeper understanding of nature, you need to speak to people from an emotional point of view.

Upon calling in a couple of weeks ago, Pippa had just that morning learnt the film had been shortlisted for Oscar nomination, so we got straight into it. We spoke on the overwhelming response the film has received since its release, the powerful role film and photography play in environmental and conservation efforts and her evolving relationship with the sea.

Enjoy.

My Octopus Teacher

Mission BlueSea change Project

Netflix

Elevation Barn

Disconnection & reconnection with nature

First feature film – from relative anonymity to the world’s attention

Connecting people to the natural world

The Great African Sea Forest

Kelp forest - sequesters carbon, breaker for the swell, protecting coastlines

Diving, swimming, body surfing

Kalk Bay, Cape TownHope Spots

Namibia

Tasmania

Bristol, UK

Cornwall

Ocean Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Climate Change and the destruction of our coral reefs and kelp forests

Emotional Ecology - a meaningful connection to wild places and wildlife

Safeguarding wilderness

Becoming a Conservation Journalist in South Africa

Johannesburg

Elephants, Lions, Antelope

Cephalopods, Dolphins, Whales, Manta-rays, Orcas, Penguins, Otters, Sharks, Jellyfish, Cuttlefish.

The rhythms of the natural world.

Boulders beac

hHanli PrinslooI AM WATER Foundation

Community of species - overfishing of reef fish, lobster, abalone.

Save Our Seas Foundation - shark and ray scientists

Tracking and photography in the Kelp forests

Cold Thermogenesis - adapting to the cold waters

The power of filmmaking and photography for the conservation, activism and the environmental movement.

The toolbox to create a magical experience.

Universality of My Octopus Teacher - a love story, our relationship with nature, the significant problems of our time.

The fragility of our planet and the world around us.

The empowering focus of hope.

Young and future Marine Biologist

Transference of knowledge for scientific discovery

Marriage between science and storytelling.

Close interaction and encounters with nature and wildlife.

The conversation of interference and contact with marine life.

Sharing wild spaces with wild animals

Observing and engaging with wild animals to gain respect and to protect.

Launching local impact campaigns and international kelp forest alliances.

The momentum of a hit Netflix Documentary.

Peter Godfrey-Smith - Other Minds

Elizabeth Kolbert - The Sixth Extinction

Sea Change – Return to the wild

Craig Foster

Dr Jannes Landschoff

Ross Frylinck

Carina Rubin-Frankal

Swati Thiyagarajan

Faine Pearl Loubser

Roger Horrocks

Dr Sylvia Earle

James Reed, co-director

Sarah Edlestone

Ellen Windemuth

Jinx Godphrey

Kyle Stroebel

Barry Donnelly

Kevin Smuts