Fishpeople

Fishpeople is a unique and thrilling 2017 documentary film directed by renowned photographer and surfer Keith Malloy. The film diverges from standard sports documentaries by providing the audience with an insight into both the mesmerizing allure and power of the ocean, embodied through the lives of individuals who have developed intimate relationships with the water. Star-studded with impressive names such as Ray Collins, Lynne Cox, and Eddie Donnellan, Fishpeople showcases captivating personal narratives intertwined with awe-inspiring oceanic visuals.

The documentary’s focus is not given to professional athletes or daredevils seeking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, but to ordinary individuals, or “fishpeople", whose lives have been transformed by the sea. The celebrated cast includes Australian pro surfer Dave Rastovich, long-distance ocean swimmer Lynne Cox, underwater photographer Ray Collins, commercial fisherman Eddie Donnelan, young spearfisher Kimi Werner, and big wave surfer Matahi Drollet.

Ray Collins, known for his spectacular ocean photography, takes us through his journey from a hardworking coal miner to an internationally recognized figure in oceanic photography. Lynne Cox, an American long-distance swimmer, sheds light on her inspiring experiences, such as braving icy waters and swimming between the US and Russia to ease Cold War tensions. Notably, her stories deliver profound messages about determination, endurance, and diplomacy. Eddie Donellan, on the other hand, gives us a glimpse into the life of commercial fishing and how it extends beyond the quest for sustenance to a meaningful connection between man and ocean.

The narrative of Fishpeople also delves into the stories of Dave Rastovich, a surfer who takes us on a philosophical journey about the essence of surfing and the profound connection between humans and the natural elements. Kimi Werner, a spearfisherwoman, shares her journey of reconnecting with the natural world, primarily through her sustainable approach to hunting and foraging in the ocean, advocating for a symbiotic relationship with the aquatic environment. Remarkably, the film also showcases the life of Matahi Drollet, a young big-wave surfer from Tahiti, who handles monstrous waves with audacious ease and coastlines as his playgrounds.

The experience of watching Fishpeople is a tantalizing mix of visceral thrill and tranquil meditation, more than a mere sports documentary, but an ode to the ocean, overlapping the mundane with the extraordinary. The stories are inherently about survival but also triumph, finding peace, love, sustenance, and beauty in the ocean. The film deep-dives into various elements of personal courage, resilience, and the power of the ocean. The focus is less on the sport and more on the transformative power of the ocean on individuals from different walks of life.

Visually speaking, Fishpeople is breathtaking too. The film is beautifully shot, capturing mind-blowing oceanic landscapes, intimate underwater imagery, and heart-pounding wave action. The camera work is exceptional, reflecting both the immense power and serenity of the ocean while enhancing the narratives of the characters. The seamless switching between land interviews and sea-bound action sets the balance between the calming and chaotic aspects of the ocean. The tranquil and tranquilizing soundscape adds to this palpable experience, immersing the audience into the vast and mysterious world of the big blue.

Fishpeople is not just a film about aquatic enthusiasts, it's about the strength of the human spirit, resilience, and connection to nature. The audience is left reflecting on the transformative power of the ocean, inspiring them to recognize their own place within the larger natural world. This documentary stands out in its genre, touching the hearts of the audience through poignant narratives, inspiring bravery, and visually arresting aquatic imagery.

For all sea lovers, explorers, adventurers, extreme sports enthusiasts, or anyone who found solace in nature, Fishpeople is a must-watch. However, the contemplative themes and elemental beauty of this film should appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers, whether they are familiar with the ocean or not. More than a film, Fishpeople embodies a way of life - a hymn to the ocean that invites each of us to dive in, explore the depths and get washed away by the mesmerizing power it beholds.