MISSION OF MERMAIDS

A Love Letter to the Ocean a film by Susan Rockefeller produced in association with OCEANA

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Our ocean is in trouble. Oil spills, overfishing, acidification, plastic pollution and jellyfish proliferation are some of the most prevalent and heartbreaking signs of her ever-weakening state. Yet less than one percent of monies earmarked for conservation are dedicated to reversing this devastating trend.

Susan Rockefeller’s latest and most personal documentary, Mission of Mermaids (MOM), explores her lifelong devotion to the ocean as well as her fascination with one of its most vibrant and compelling myths: the mermaid. Imagining the ocean from her unique perspective, Rockefeller presents a poetic ode to our waters while raising awareness about the challenges to their preservation.

The film includes internationally renowned ocean activists such as actor Ted Danson, scientist Daniel Pauley, and model and performer Hannah Fraser. “The seas are a sacred place,” says Rockefeller. “We need to regain the mystery and reverence that go hand in hand with honoring the sacred world.

We must stop the commercialization and industrialization that are destroying them. By engaging in intelligent and compassionate daily choices we can help our ocean rather than harm her, and, in so doing, help ourselves.”

In keeping with these ideas, MOM is comprised of “found” footage from YouTube videos, scanned images, and archival, licensed and donated footage and music. The artistic design reflects Rockefeller’s on-going commitment to innovative, organic, and low-to-no-pollution practices.

Susan Rockefeller is an author and documentary filmmaker whose projects have won top prizes at many film festivals. Her recent film Making the Crooked Straight that aired on HBO in 2010 received a Christopher Award in May of 2011. Rockefeller sits on the boards of Oceana and the Global Leadership Council for the Natural Resources Defense Council as well as on the program committee for The Stone Barns for Sustainable Agriculture.

MISSION OF MERMAIDS will Screen at BIFF 2012 on December 9th at 11:00am at Galleria JFK

Director’s Statement Ever since I was a child I’ve felt connected to water: lakes, rivers, streams––I love to jump in and swim around. But it’s the ocean where I go for rejuvenation, revelation, and solace.

A few years ago I co-produced a film called A Sea Change which was the first documentary about ocean acidification. Encouraged by its success, I wanted to bring more people into the conversation so I designed a line of jewelry inspired by our seas. I wore a mermaid pin to the opening event for Oceana. When asked about it I explained that I needed to believe in the existence of the mermaid because of what she stands for: Mystery, hope, and a connection between the human world and the one of the ocean.

Impressed with her fortitude and realizing that her presence was following me everywhere, I felt compelled to make a documentary about the mermaid. Half human and half fish, as well as a cross cultural symbol, she seemed the perfect medium to explore the interdependent nature of man and the sea.

Mission of Mermaids is my most personal documentary to date. I wrote and narrated the story with the belief that by bringing myth and science together we could awaken to our connection to our waters. And by doing so, be inspired to protect what is precious––our ocean. Film description Susan Rockefeller’s latest and most personal documentary, Mission of Mermaids, is the representation of the award winning filmmaker, activist, and conservationist’s love for our ocean. Using the archetype of the mermaid, the film presents a poetic ode to the sea as well as a plea for its protection.

While capturing the imagination of the audience through the magical mermaid, Mission of Mermaids encourages us to take a closer look at the current state of our waters. It also speaks to the scientific and social relevance of the crisis via excerpted interviews with internationally renowned ocean activists such as actor Ted Danson, scientist Daniel Pauley and model/performer Hannah Fraser.

Demonstrating her own commitment to ocean health, Mrs. Rockefeller put together a low carbon-emission film production that is comprised of “found” footage from YouTube videos, scanned images, and archival, licensed, or donated footage and music as well as a day and a half of filming on Long Island.

With the mermaid as our guide, it’s Mrs. Rockefeller’s hope that we can unite to protect our oceans both to ensure food security for the over one billion people who rely on fish for their primary protein and to preserve them as places of regeneration, beauty, and boundless dreams.

Susan Rockefeller is a mother, documentary filmmaker, author and conservationist. Deeply committed to nurturing our planet, Susan is a board member and chairs the Ocean Council for Oceana, is a member of the Global Leadership Council for Natural Resources Defense Council and serves on the program committee for the Stone Barns for Sustainable Agriculture.

On March 18, 2012, Susan premiered Mission of Mermaids at the prestigious DC Environmental Film Festival. A 15-minute call to action, Mission of Mermaids is her most personal film to date, and reflects her profound love and respect of the ocean. The documentary explores ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution, and challenges viewers with a message of hope to rethink how they relate to their global waters.

Susan is also launching a jewelry collection to accompany Mission of Mermaids on June 8th, World Oceans Day. Natural and environmental elements inspire every piece in the collection – from a whimsical mermaid ring to a classic gold chain necklace with removable charms and a signature hook clasp, each sterling silver or 24k vermeil piece is handcrafted in New York with love and care.

“I created the jewelry collection to share with others my admiration for the beauty and bounty of our oceans.

I hope to give people beautiful tools to continue the conversation about ocean protection and conservation,” describes Susan. “We are at a critical moment to invite a bigger, broader audience into the ocean conversation.”

Always a creative and positive force, Susan’s other efforts include producing and directing the HBO documentary “Making the Crooked Straight,” which received a 2011 Christopher Award, and co-producing the internationally acclaimed “A Sea Change.” Her award-winning documentary “Striking a Chord” brings attention to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), educates the public about challenges that many soldiers face, and shows the power of music to connect people from all walks of life.

Through each of these unique vehicles Susan aims to inspire as many people as possible to become activated to make a difference. From choosing sustainable fish or refusing single use plastic, to educating the public at-large to raise awareness about PTSD and help heal the invisible wounds of war, there are limitless ways for the human race to be involved.

Susan is married to David Rockefeller Jr. and lives with her husband and children in New York City. To learn more about Susan Rockefeller and her films, jewelry and other creative projects.