Untangling an Ocean is a short documentary filmed on Hanson Island, British Columbia, following a multi-day expedition to remove ghost gear from protected coastal waters. Told chronologically, the film immerses viewers in the physical and emotional realities of the work — long days at sea, cold dives, and the quiet weight of confronting damage hidden beneath the surface.

 

Shot over seven days with a small crew, the project blends aerial drone footage with underwater cinematography to reveal both the scale of the environment and the intimacy of the mission. The approach is observational and unscripted, allowing moments to unfold naturally while highlighting the human commitment behind marine conservation efforts.

 

The film played a pivotal role beyond the screen, helping Emerald Sea Protection Society secure a six-figure grant — the fastest and easiest they had ever received — underscoring the power of thoughtful storytelling in driving real-world environmental impact.