Was created to change people’s perception of oceans and their environmental implications

Planet Ocean, a movie directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot in partnership with Omega, was premiered at Earth Summit 2012 in Rio, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 20 to 22. Announcing this, Omega said that the 90-minute documentary, which also draws on the talents of some of the world’s leading aerial and underwater cinematographers, oceanographers and biologists, was created to change the way people look at the oceans and to encourage them to imagine conservation and stewardship as responsibilities shared by everyone on Earth.

Arthus-Bertrand said of his partnership with Omega, “When Omega presented me with the Planet Ocean project, I accepted almost immediately; it was time to look at things directly, to illustrate and to denounce the dangers threatening our oceans and, therefore, our planet.”

David Hannan, underwater chief cameraman, Yann Arthus-Bertrand and His Serene Highness Prince Albert II at the movie premiere in Rio.

He also revealed that the film would be made available free of charge to any interested NGO in order to ensure that it reaches the widest possible audience.

According to the announcement, the film aims to explain some of the planet’s greatest natural mysteries in ways that make them understandable and accessible to everyone and also allows young people to imagine that a more sustainable world is not only desirable but also achievable.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco was also reportedly in the audience at the premiere and commented: “Our contemporaries must become aware of the major perils that this century has inflicted on the oceans and on the biosphere, of which they are essential regulators. By drawing the attention of the public to the very often poorly known threats that hang over the oceans, by showing the work carried out by scientists and by sharing unique emotions, this film turns the spotlight on the urgency of the action needed to protect the oceans and the planet.”

Omega said that its partnership with the film was created in the spirit of its decades-long support of oceanic health and exploration.