Ines Reinisch's Documentary 'Salz und Wasser' Takes Viewers to Antarctica Aboard the Polarstern
Directed by Ines Reinisch, who also served as cinematographer, 'Salz und Wasser' documents an Antarctic expedition aboard the German research vessel Polarstern. The film follows the crew during months of isolation and shows scientists collecting water and seabed samples for climate research. Global warming is shifting the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, bringing warm water that melts ice and threatens sea-level rise. Axel Schock's review praises the spectacular panoramas of ice, water, and mountains but questions the film's audience: it fluctuates between a straightforward science documentary and a naively wondering off-commentary with passionate pathos.
Key facts
- The documentary 'Salz und Wasser' is directed by Ines Reinisch, who also did cinematography.
- It follows the German research vessel Polarstern during an Antarctic expedition.
- The film depicts the daily life of the crew, isolated for months at sea.
- Scientists are shown taking water and seabed samples in shifts.
- The collected data contributes to climate research.
- Global warming allows warm water to flow into the region via the shifting Antarctic Circumpolar Current, melting ice and causing sea-level rise.
- The review notes uncertainty about the target audience, moving between science documentary and a naive, childlike tone.
- Long panoramic shots of ice, water, and mountain landscapes are among the most memorable sequences.
Entities
Artists
- Ines Reinisch
- Axel Schock
- Corinna Harfouch
- Hildegard Schmahl
- Jane Schoenbrun
- Matthias Jordan
- Volker Sievert
- Paula Pugnat
Institutions
- Thurnfilm GmbH
Locations
- Antarctica
- Syracuse