A Life Illuminated
ROLE
In Association With / Executive Producer
TYPE
Documentary Feature Film
Production TEAM
Directed by Tasha Van Zandt, Produced by Tasha Van Zandt, Sebastian Zeck, Jessica Harrop, Kathryn Everett, A Sandbox Films Production, In Association With XTR, Minderoo Pictures, OceanX, Common Pictures
About the Film
In A LIFE ILLUMINATED, marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder embarks on a groundbreaking journey to unveil the mysterious light of bioluminescence - a phenomenon that allows life to communicate in the darkness of the ocean’s depths. As one of the first women in her field, Edie transformed our understanding of the deep sea - once perceived as a dark and empty void, into a vibrant world filled with life and light. Known for being the first person in history to film bioluminescence in the deep sea, as well as capturing the first footage of the elusive giant squid in its natural habitat, she has transformed the world's view of our oceans. Now, she embarks on her most daring expedition yet: a descent 3,300 feet beneath the ocean’s surface to document a mysterious bioluminescent phenomenon she has pursued her entire life - one that could forever change how we understand life on Earth. Blending cinematic vérité footage from her journey into the deep with never-before-seen archives from her lifetime of expeditions, the film captures Edie’s quest to reveal the profound beauty of bioluminescence while emphasizing the urgent need to protect the fragile ecosystems of the deep sea.
"A Life Illuminated takes audiences to profound depths of human discovery as Dr. Widder lets us experience the world anew through her research. This spectacular adventure reminds one of how small we are in the ocean of life, and all we can do is marvel at the complexity of the world before our eyes... It's a testament to the best of documentaries when they transport audiences to uncharted waters. However, the case is doubly impressive for A Life Illuminated, which brings viewers to new depths both literally and figuratively. This outstanding underwater adventure follows in the great tradition of films like Le Monde du silence by venturing into the depths of the ocean with a great mind who pioneered exploration of the vast world beneath the oceans’ surface."
– Pat Mullen, POV Magazine
“A Life Illuminated is a treasure, highlighting the remarkable career of an underwater scientist who is finally given a chance in the spotlight herself."
– Jason Gorber, RogerEbert.com
"A Life Illuminated is an incredible film. It takes us to one of the most extreme places on Earth, it reveals previously unseen phenomena, it takes us on the journey of scientific discovery, and it is an inspiration."
– Andy Howell, Film Threat
"A classic, stick-to-your ribs documentary experience about a fascinating person... In following Dr. Widder's journey, we learn how much even a single good shot of bioluminescent activity is valued. By the time the film ends, we are treated to the whole fireworks display. Illuminating, absolutely."