Screenscope, Inc. has completed production of three Dispatches from the Gulf documentary films, which features scientists working to better understand the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Dispatches from the Gulf is part of the Journey to Planet Earth series and is narrated by Matt Damon.
All three films and corresponding educational materials are available to watch for free below. They are also available (along with 50 short videos designed to accompany the documentaries) on the Dispatches from the Gulf YouTube Channel. Major funding for these additions to Journey to Planet Earth was provided by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative – scientists working together to understand and restore the health of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Dispatches from the Gulf:
In the years after Deepwater Horizon, a global team of scientists investigates the environmental health of the Gulf and its impact on local communities. A coalition of academic institutions, government, and NGOs are working together to protect and restore one of our planet’s most valuable natural resources. Their ultimate goal is to learn how to cope with future oil spills.
Educational Materials:
- Educators Guide for Episode 14: Dispatches from the Gulf
- Full Transcript of Episode 14: Dispatches from the Gulf
Dispatches from the Gulf 2:
The unprecedented scientific mission to study the lasting impacts of Deepwater Horizon continues. Barely half of the pre-spill dolphin population survives, their calves dying or miscarried. Fish hearts cannot beat properly. Crab burrows leak oily rivulets into wetlands poisoning fish nurseries. Will this ecosystem recover? Will we be able to prevent future oil spills and the ensuing environmental devastation?
Educational Materials:
- Educators Guide for Episode 15: Dispatches from the Gulf 2
- Full Transcript for Episode 15: Dispatches from the Gulf 2
Dispatches from the Gulf 3:
“Has the Gulf of Mexico recovered from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill?” As the tenth anniversary of the disaster approaches, this question is regularly posed. Scientists have spent nearly that long studying its environmental impact on humans, wildlife, and the ecosystem. They provide assessments of the current state of the Gulf, but lingering questions are challenging their ability to predict the long-term impacts.
Educational Materials:
- Educators Guide for Episode 16: Dispatches from the Gulf 3