SEASICK Directed by: Simon Mark-Brown Countries: NEW ZEALAND Duration: 1:24:00
Subject Areas Science, Te Reo
Teacher and Student Guide: This pack has been designed to help teachers and students enrich their experience of viewing SEASICK by providing support in the form of questions and activities around key ideas and themes. There is a range of questions that will frame important discussions and activities before and after viewing the film. Some of the web links will also provide starting points for further research or discussion. These are by no means definitive. While we identify appropriate subjects, we do not presume to write activities or assignments for assessment against the standards. Our aim is to enable a better understanding of key principles and ideas through discussion and learning. The Film: Director Mark-Brown examines the devastating impact of pollution and overfishing on Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand's only marine park. The once-thriving ecosystem is now on the brink of collapse, with sea life in decline and pollution levels rising. The film explores the potential solution of implementing traditional Maori protection methods, which could help to restore balance to the ecosystem and support sustainable fishing practices. With stunning underwater footage and insightful interviews with experts, the film is a powerful call to action to protect our oceans and preserve our natural heritage.
View the Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4wj8xKeqHA
Follow the Film: https://www.facebook.com/SeasickFilm
1. Film Screening: The first step in using this study kit is to watch the documentary film SEASICK. You can obtain the film through the Doc Edge Schools program. Suggest students take notes during the film on themes, character development, and other aspects of the story as well as any detail that stands out to them – there is usually a reason even if it's not immediately clear. Writing down questions or impressions as they watch will help with their analysis during discussions after the film. 2. Discussion Questions: After watching the film, lead a group discussion with students using the following questions: What are some of the causes and consequences of pollution and overfishing in the Hauraki Gulf? How can traditional Māori protection methods help to restore balance to the ecosystem and support sustainable fishing practices? What is the role of individuals, governments, and corporations in protecting our oceans and preserving our natural heritage? How can we raise awareness and take action to address the issues highlighted in the film? What can we do on a personal level to reduce our impact on the environment and promote sustainability? 3. Research Assignment: Have students research the impact of pollution and overfishing on marine ecosystems, and the potential solutions to these issues. Encourage them to explore the cultural and historical context of the Māori protection methods, and their relevance to contemporary environmental issues. Students can present their findings in a written report or a multimedia presentation. 4. Creative Expression: Give students the opportunity to express themselves creatively by creating their own artwork or multimedia project inspired by the themes of SEASICK. Encourage them to consider the impact of pollution and overfishing on marine life, and the potential solutions to these issues. 5. Reflection and Journaling: Encourage students to reflect on their own impact on the environment and their personal responsibility to protect our oceans and natural heritage. Ask them to journal about the actions they can take to reduce their impact on the environment, and how they can inspire others to do the same.
Fun Tasks for SEASICK: 1. Dance Party: Host a dance party where students can showcase their own dance moves and routines inspired by the film. Encourage them to incorporate hip-hop and Indian dance styles into 2. Beach Clean-up: Organise a beach clean-up event in your local area. Encourage students to invite their friends and family to participate, and to raise awareness about the issue of marine pollution. Students can take before-and-after photos of the beach and share their experiences on social media using preselected hashtags #SeasickMovie #DocEdge2023, #DocEdgeSchools, #SchoolName or on a class/school blog. 3. Ocean Art Project: Have students create an art project inspired by the ocean and its creatures. Encourage students to use different media, such as paint, clay, or found objects, to express their creativity and passion for the ocean. Students can display their artwork in a virtual or physical exhibit. 4. Sustainable Seafood Challenge: Have students research sustainable seafood options in their local area and create a recipe that uses sustainable seafood. Encourage students to share their recipe with their peers*, and to engage in a discussion about the importance of sustainable fishing practices. ** Make sure you are aware of anyone with shellfish or seafood allergies as per your health and safety plan. 5. Ocean Film Festival: Host an ocean film festival, featuring films and documentaries that address issues related to ocean conservation, pollution, and sustainability. Encourage students to select and present their favourite films, and to engage in a discussion about the themes and messages of the films. You can find a suggested documentary film list here on the Doc Edge Letterboxd account or here for non-documentary films. 6. Marine Science Project: Have students conduct a research project on a marine science topic of their choice, such as ocean acidification, coral bleaching, or marine biodiversity. Encourage students to use a variety of sources, such as scientific journals, documentaries, and podcasts, to deepen their understanding of the topic. Students can present their research in a written report or a multimedia presentation.
Simon Mark-Brown | Director Simon has been directing for over thirty years, forming Republic Films in 1992 and has since shot hundreds of television commercials for most agencies in Australia and New Zealand winning many international awards including two Cannes finalists for comedy and storytelling.
Simon has directed two international award-winning short films ‘Going Down’ and ‘Quid Pro Quo’ that had successful film festival runs, and in 2008 funded, produced and directed a documentary on the life of singer John Rowles, ‘The secret life of’ which screened on TV3 with NZOA support. In 2009 he produced and directed a feature film ‘The Sun Came Out’ – with Neil Finn, Johnny Marr, Radiohead and Wilco amongst others – recording and performing an album for Oxfam, released internationally through Oliver Stone’s distribution company. This also screened on TVNZ with NZOA support. Simon’s last doco ‘A Seat at the Table’ – the definitive New Zealand wine story, screened at the NZIFF and the VIFF in 2019. It (was meant to be) in several high-profile festivals in 2020 and had international distribution with Samuel Goldwyn Films. Next, ‘The Man on the Island’, a feature doco – self-financed – which did a New Zealand theatrical season through Rialto. Simon’s last project was Seasick – a seven-part, on-line series, funded by NZOA and Foundation North, attempting to save the Hauraki Gulf and suggesting a Mautaranga approach could be an answer. The Seasick doco has just been accepted for distribution by an indigenous Canadian First People’s company.