SOUTH AFRICA. Cape Town: My octopus teacher is a full-length documentary that adheres to Craig Foster’s life-changing encounter, in which he describes an important friendship he built with an octopus. The award-winning documentary was recorded in underwater circumstances, and the narration ignites the interest of the viewer as narrator.
Home to the kelp forest, False Bay, located just outside Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. There, Craig meets a female Common Octopus with whom he forms an unlikely but precious bond that will lead both species on the adventure of getting to know each other and gradually altering their interaction into friendship.
Official trailer
What made it Oscar-worthy
Whereas nowadays, huge budget films with glitz and action sequences fail to address the importance of life lessons. All the encapsulated life lessons are enough to prove the worthiness of Academy awards.
Of all things on Earth, nature is the greatest mentor. As demonstrated by Craig Foster’s powerful narration in a variety of ways, “One of the most exciting things ever in my life, taking my son, walking along the shore and just showing him the wonders of nature and the details and the intricacies.”
Life of octopus as a metaphor for human existence
The octopus nemesis are the Pajama sharks. Those animas relish preying on her not because they are monsters but because they are fulfilling their role in the food cycle.
This realization activates the Cephalopod’s intellect, and her genius proves phenomenal during the fight with the Sharks. This entire scenario represents how only the wisest of humans can survive in the most difficult of times. “How she can think that quickly and make those life-and-death decisions,” Craig says.
These words encapsulate human existence in a fast-paced civilization packed with shark-infested snares, where only the wisest will triumph.
Technical masterpiece
The entire underwater world of South Africa’s kelp forest is exhaled through this master-class cinematography. Craig Foster’s friend Roger Horrocks is responsible for all images captured, which is a sight to behold. He has also collaborated with Craig on various wildlife projects, including a memorable moment for the BBC’s top-of-the-line natural history series in 2017.
Spices preservation
Many octopuses in the world have spent their entire lives in confinement, just like her. They evolve in a state of constraint, which leads to a life of deprivation. Limited interaction with limited species, or no interaction in some cases, results in a living prison for species.
In captivity, the majority of species are unable to reproduce. As a result, the bulk of octopuses are abducted from the wild and imprisoned in glass cages. This has a significant effect on the growth and reproduction cycle, something like a mental state.
Such knowledge must be disseminated by conservation organizations that may be beneficial to the species. Individuals must be informed about such issues through campaigns.
Verdict
This documentary feature film, based on a beautiful relationship between the mentor and the student, simplifies a complex concept in the notion of learning lessons for life that has a profound impact.
Transcontinental Times ratings: 4.5/5
