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Voyage of Discovery - The Blue Belt Expedition

The ocean of our blue planet supports and connect us; it sustains all life on earth, but yet less than 1% of our oceans have been fully explored. We have better maps showing the surface of Mars than of our own ocean floor. How can we understand and protect an environment we barely know?

In this film, narrated by musician and ocean-lover, Ellie Goulding, we follow a new voyage of Discovery.

The Discovery is a UK research ship, embarking on its latest mission: to explore new areas of the deep ocean. Travelling over 9000 miles, the Discovery will voyage from the UK, south across the Atlantic, to the remote islands of Ascension and St Helena.

These islands have vast Marine Protected Areas which host a wide range of unique and endangered species, some of which are found no-where else in the world.

This Discovery expedition is part of the Blue Belt Programme, which has helped to protect and manage over 4 million square kilometres of ocean around the world.

In this latest voyage, the aim is simple: to explore uncharted waters, support local communities and further marine conservation. The Voyage of Discovery.

  • Lawrence Eagling
    Director
    Secrets of the Basking Shark
  • Natasha Phillips
    Producer
    Secrets of the Basking Shark
  • Natasha Phillips
    Editors
    Secrets of the Basking Shark
  • Lawrence Eagling
    Editors
    Secrets of the Basking Shark
  • Lawrence Eagling
    Cinematographer
    Secrets of the Basking Shark
  • Ellie Goulding
    Narrator
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Science, SciComm, Conservation, Ocean
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 29 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 31, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Lawrence Eagling

Lawrence Eagling is an award-winning filmmaker based in Cornwall, specialising in quick-fire documentary films focused on connecting people with science, social issues and the natural world. After working for many years as a marine biologist, his transition into film came about through a passion for photography combined with a keen interest in science communication.

Drawing on his endless curiosity and a forensic eye for detail, Lawrence creates documentaries exploring fascinating stories from new scientific discoveries, to exploring technological innovations and stories from the natural world. Through storytelling with a purpose, his films act to raise awareness and inspire real change.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a marine scientist, now-turned documentary filmmaker, my key focus is to explore new research findings, getting cutting-edge science on our screens and showcasing the best the natural world has to offer.

By going behind-the-scenes in this exciting research voyage, we offer new access to the latest scientific research, showcasing the people, technology and places on the front line of ocean exploration. Narrated by the incredible singer-songwriter and ocean advocate, Ellie Goulding, we aim to engage more people in frontline research and conservation of our oceans.

By sharing new discoveries, engaging with expert voices, we can join the expedition at an exciting time, in the centre of the Atlantic Ocean, as they explore uncharted waters and discover what lies thousands of metres below the surface.

I would love for our film to be selected, to share new conservation research and much-needed optimism for our natural world with a wide audience. Through this film, we aim to offer new insight and hope for a brighter future.