From October 6, the documentary MEDITERRANEAN: LIFE UNDER SIEGE is showing in cinemas and is considered the largest film production to date about life in the Mediterranean Sea and the threats it faces from human activity.

The documentary features representative Mediterranean species of mammals, fish and birds; the sperm whale, the Mediterranean monk seal, the loggerhead sea turtle, the white-tailed eagle, a stork family, and a cat from the Cyclades. How do all these creatures coexist with us? How do they manage to survive, give birth to their young, and raise them in a world under constant siege by human activity?

The impressive cinematography, directed by multi-award-winning Fred Fougea, captures the Mediterranean Sea through the eyes of the animals that inhabit it and conveys the urgent message to protect its natural wealth. "It is important for people that live in the Mediterranean Basin to look at the sea that surrounds them in an unprecedented way," says Fougea. “They will be surprised to realize what is happening under the surface of the water just ten minutes away from their city - and how sensitive this world is. There's a French proverb that says 'we must listen to the age-old sea'... and I think it's about time we did."

Filming lasted two years and took place in twelve countries, but focused primarily on Greece, as it is home to many typical Mediterranean species and rare habitats like the underwater Posidonia seagrass meadows that are crucial for the survival of marine ecosystems. Anemon Productions, the co-producer in Greece, filmed in many key locations, such as Kyparissia Bay, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Amorgos, Santorini, Makronissos, Alonissos, and Gyaros. Filming was conducted in collaboration with local environmental organizations, such as ARCHELON: the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Mom: the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, and WWF Greece.

The documentary MEDITERRANEAN: LIFE UNDER SIEGE is a European co-production of Boréales-Federation and Anemon, in co-production with BBC, France Televisions, RAI, Terra Mater, and ERT channels and with the support of the Greek National Centre of Audio-visual Media and Communication. The film distribution is organized by CineDoc in collaboration with the Cyclades Preservation Fund, which is celebrating 5 years since its establishment for the protection of the Cyclades.

Direction: Frederic Fougea | 90’ | 2022 | France, Italy, Austria, Greece

Trailer | Facebook Event | Tickets

Screening schedule:

Thursday, October 6, 20:00, THE FRENCH INSTITUTE OF GREECE, Sina 31, Athens.

* It will be followed by a discussion with the director Fred Fougea, the director of the Cyclades Preservation Fund Annie Mitropoulou, and ARCHELON & MOm representatives.

Saturday & Sunday, October 8 & 9, 16:00, DANAOS CINEMA, Leof. Kifisias 109, Athens

* It will be followed by a discussion with ARCHELON representatives.

Saturday, October 08, Achillion Movie Theatre, Argonafton 54, Volos

Wednesday, October 12, John Cassavetes & Stavros Tornes Halls, Warehouse 1, Ν.Votsi 3, Thessaloniki.

Organized by: CINEDOC

Co-organized by: Cyclades Preservation Fund | Anemon Productions | DANAOS CINEMA| THE FRENCH INSTITUTE OF GREECE | Thessaloniki Film Festival | Municipality of Volos | Achillion Municipal Movie Theatre of Volos

In collaboration with: ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece | Mom, the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal

Communication sponsored by: ΕΡΤ | Culture Now

CineDoc screenings are held under the auspices and with the support of the Greek Ministry of Culture. Find CineDoc on Facebook and Vimeo.