My Octopus Teacher, the South African Netflix original documentary that bagged an Academy Award at this year’s Oscars for The Best Documentary Feature, is heartwarming.
The documentary follows filmmaker Craig Foster on a deep and personal journey that sees him seeking answers to life.
“My Octopus Teacher,” a word-of-mouth hit on Netflix, is one of the most beloved documentaries to win at the #Oscars in recent years. https://t.co/baBASwfLzs
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 26, 2021
Feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from his family, with his professional life taking a back seat, Craig took to the frosty ocean of the Western Cape in search of solace.
What followed was a year-long, incredible journey and a bond between Craig and a common octopus.
His daily dives into the South African Kelp Forest, became a part of his routine. He dives without the aid of bulky oxygen tanks and learned how to control his breathing to stay submerged longer.
Free-diving also gave him the opportunity to get footage and observe the spectacular marine life that the kelp forest is home to.
It was here that Craig formed a bond with the octopus which would follow him up to the surface, attach itself to his body and allow him to make physical contact with the octopus.
Following the octopus’s life cycle, Craig learned about the intricate methods they adopt to protect themselves from prey. He documents how they hunt, camouflage, and even play.
The heartwarming documentary teaches about the beauty of nature and how important it is to preserve our wildlife and marine life.
The documentary is a must-see for every South African and was one of Netflix’s biggest hits in 2020.
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