My Octopus Teacher
Overview
After years of swimming every day in the freezing ocean at the tip of Africa, Craig Foster meets an unlikely teacher: a young octopus who displays remarkable curiosity. Visiting her den and tracking her movements for months on end he eventually wins the animal’s trust and they develop a never-before-seen bond between human and wild animal.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Originating from South Africa, this Netflix original highlights the country's rich marine biodiversity, particularly focusing on the unique ecosystem of the kelp forest off the Cape Peninsula.
- The movie offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and personal growth as the protagonist forms an extraordinary friendship with an octopus.
- It's visually stunning, showcasing the beauty and mystery of the underwater world in high-definition detail.
- My Octopus Teacher provides a thought-provoking exploration of human connection, empathy, and our relationship with nature.
- The documentary is also a testament to the transformative power of immersive experiences and the healing potential of nature.
Fun Facts
- The octopus featured in the film is named 'Intoshi', which means 'gift from the ocean' in Xhosa, one of South Africa's official languages.
- The documentary was filmed over a period of more than a year and required the crew to dive daily during the cold winters of Cape Town.
- My Octopus Teacher marks Craig Foster's directorial debut, although he is an experienced underwater cameraman with numerous nature documentaries under his belt.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
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Český
CZ
Title: Moje učitelka chobotnice
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普通话
TW
Title: 我的章魚老師
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Magyar
HU
Title: Tanítóm, a polip
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Français
FR
Title: La Sagesse de la pieuvre
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Español
ES
Title: Lo que el pulpo me enseñó
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Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Not just a documentary (9 January 2021)
Why I watched it? Because I love octopuses and the sea. Why I gave it a 10? Because it was something more than just a documentary.
It was a personal experience. It got evident from the start. Great captures and the personal storytelling of Foster along with accurate and calming music did it: I immediately relaxed and put myself in his shoes. The rest was history. Amazing information conveyed along with great scenes and meanings.
I liked the format. Most documentaries focusing on animals calm me, but this format was just something else. It was closer to the experience of reading a book for me, and that's something I have never felt before for a movie/series.
Oscar Awards
Wins
DOCUMENTARY (Feature) - 2020
Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed, Craig Foster
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
My Octopus Teacher | Official Trailer | Netflix
Trailer
My Octopus Teacher Trailer | CPH:DOX 2020