Simple beauty. My Octopus Teacher is a gorgeous and unexpected film about a filmmaker who was looking to recharge from creative burnout and decided to challenge himself to swim in the ocean every day for a year. Through a connection with himself, his body acclimating to cold water and a discovery of the nuisances of the ocean, he finds a new friend in the mysterious creature the octopus. As their connection unfolds he learns more about himself from this unique teacher.

The film has two themes that carry it through to the end. First theme is visual with a beautiful underwater journey with a skilled filmmaker, tasteful camera shots and filmic creative choices that are inspiring. And second theme of a fascination with a shy sea animal who literally reaches out to connect with a human. It is a hopeful saga that we can repair and connect with nature, witness its majesty and learn unexpected lessons.

My thoughts on the film are simple — this is an inspiring film that shows us that we are not visitors in nature. We are a part of the environment. I spend a great deal of time thinking about the affects of technology on the human spirit. Why are people struggling more with drug addiction, suicide and depression when we are suppose to be more connected with social media? And over the past 100 years advancements in tech have separated us from the natural world. This documentary of a relationship with the ocean and a particular little friend reminds me that connection to nature is more accessible than we think and that this connection teaches us how to handle and respect the fragility balance in life.