Film Lens
The documentary focuses on the oarfish, a mysterious deep-sea creature known primarily from beachings. It discusses the history of sightings and the myths surrounding this fish, often referred to as the sea serpent. The film shows how scientists have gained insights into the oarfish's biology through recent observations off the coast of France, where advanced scientific equipment allowed for the first live study of this elusive species.
Set against the backdrop of the Oceanographic Observatory of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the film details the deployment of an oceanographic buoy named La Boussole, which aimed to collect data on water color. This data collection inadvertently led to the observation of the oarfish in its natural habitat, revealing its bioluminescent features and feeding habits. The documentary shifts the perception of the oarfish from a legendary sea monster to a beautiful, harmless creature of the ocean.
Why Watch
- •See the first live observation of an oarfish off France.
- •Find out how La Boussole helped reveal ocean secrets.
- •Meet scientists studying the bioluminescent features of the oarfish.
Did You Know
•Less than 250 beachings of oarfish have been reported in two centuries.
•The longest oarfish ever found measured 23 feet.
•The Oceanographic Observatory of Villefranche-sur-Mer deployed La Boussole in the summer of 2000.
•More than 12 million tourists visit the south of France each year.
Perfect For
Marine biologyDeep-sea explorationMythical sea creatures