November 25, 2020—SK Films and BBC Earth Natural History Unit announce the release of their upcoming documentary,
Antarctica, which will be narrated by Academy Award® nominee actor, Benedict Cumberbatch. The film is set to open in select giant screen theaters and museums in 2021.
From the filmmakers who brought you
Planet Earth II, comes
Antarctica, a land of mystery and yet what happens here affects every single one of us. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest place on Earth with the roughest oceans while weird and wonderful creatures thrive here in astounding abundance. With never-before seen footage, the story brings audiences to the farthest reaches of this wild and majestic continent.
Using the latest underwater filming techniques, audiences will dive beneath sea ice, more than 6 feet thick, to experience the alien world of its seafloor. Swim alongside playful seals, soar above mountain peaks and vast penguin colonies as well as witness the largest congregation of fin and humpback whales ever filmed.
2020 marks the 200th anniversary of its discovery and although so remote from us, Antarctica and its surrounding South Ocean play a vital role for the entire planet—regulating ocean currents, sea levels and its wildlife-filled waters can absorb huge amounts of carbon. New science is revealing that dramatic changes are occurring and rapidly warming this pristine land of snow and ice. No one owns Antarctica but it will take global cooperation and collaboration to protect it and ensure the future health of our planet.
“We are excited to release this film at a crucial time in the environmental landscape. What happens in Antarctica has a major global significance across the planet and affects us all. We hope the film entertains as well as educates our audiences on how important the environmental health of Antarctica is to the rest of the world. We could not have chosen a better narrator for this film as Benedict’s iconic voice takes us all on an incredible journey,” states Jonathan Williams, Executive Producer & Head of Commercial, BBC Earth.
Wendy MacKeigan, CEO SK Films, says, “We are so honored to have world-renowned actor Benedict Cumberbatch, narrate this film. His passion for the environment and compassion for the future of our planet resonates with every word. Antarctica is meant to be shown on the giant screen and Benedict’s narration compliments the experience to create a perfect harmony.”
The film is accompanied by an international educational and marketing outreach campaign with the goal of uniting audiences globally to inspire change and encourage the next generation to take care of this planet we all call home.
Antarctica will open in select Giant Screen and IMAX Theaters globally in 2021.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4LnMlESzWA&feature=youtu.be
FILM WEBSITE:
http://antarcticafilm.com
BBC Earth
BBC Earth is a global portfolio brand that invites audiences everywhere to engage with the wonders of our universe. We bring amazing premium content, television and experiences to the world, across multiple platforms including branded channels, live events, digital and social media, AR/VR, theatrical releases for cinema and Giant Screen films and consumer products. We believe that celebrating and connecting with our world is more important than ever, across nature, science, space and the human race.
Along with our partners we are continually innovating to find new stories and experiences to bring insight, enlightenment and fresh perspectives to inspire us to think and feel differently about our world. From the epic to the everyday, BBC Earth brings you face to face with heart-pounding action, mind-blowing ideas and the sheer wonder of being part of this amazing planet we call home. Visit
bbcearth.com for more info.
SK Films
SK Films is an award-winning content provider and a global leader in the IMAX®/Giant Screen industry. SK works across various genres and platforms, including theatrical, television and digital media, with a special emphasis on creating high impact natural history and science related content.
SK has a reputation as one of the most accomplished and respected producers and distributors supplying 3D, 2D and Dome product to IMAX and other Giant Screen theaters worldwide, with a mission to entertain and inspire audiences and immerse them in the awe and wonder of the world we live in. For more information, please visit
SKFilms.ca.
National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent US federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. NSF funds reach all 50 United States through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. For more information, please visit
www.nsf.gov.
The
Antarctica filmmaking team was given access to the McMurdo Field Station, thanks to logistical support from the National Science Foundation, which led to the Weddell seal and under sea-ice filming. In the early stages of post production, the team was also lucky to be supported by Valentine Kass, former Program Director at the NSF, who is now retired.
In the NSF multimedia gallery there are over 490 items on Antarctica, this includes high resolution images, videos and articles. All items are free and available to the public to download.
British Antarctica Survey
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through its extensive logistic capability and know-how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. For more information visit
bas.ac.uk.