National Parks Conservation Association cover story in Fall 2018 issue of National Parks magazine.
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Journey to a Faraway Island Wilderness Lost in Time…
Now in Theaters
About the Film
On the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean, blue-green islands, atolls, and corals reefs are thriving with a dizzying array of wildlife and tropical beauty, largely untouched by humans and currently protected as marine national monuments. Released on Earth Day 2019, Hidden Pacific brings to viewers never-before-seen footage of these remarkable places, sharing the splendor of such pristine environments and their important role in safeguarding our planet.
The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, one of the monuments featured in the film, was established in January 2009 and expanded in 2014. It is located to the south and west of Hawaii and consists of Wake, Baker, Howland, and Jarvis islands, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, and Palmyra Atoll. The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument is the largest marine protected area in the world and an important part of the most widespread collection of marine life on the planet under a single country’s jurisdiction. Both Palmyra and Wake atolls are prominently featured in the film.
Characters & Stories
Hidden Pacific is set apart from other natural history films in that it focuses on the human stories as much as it does those of wildlife and the history of these places. There is no part of our planet that isn’t in some way touched by the human element, including these faraway islands. Below are some of the people you will meet and be inspired by.
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Jessica Kim
Jessica Kim was 25 when she traveled to Palmyra Atoll as a conservation technician and galley cook nourishing some of the island’s support crew. While there, she put her science background to work in habitat restoration and invasive plant management, and came to understand how precious the atoll’s ecosystems are and why they require protection. She is back on the mainland honing her skills in restaurant kitchens.
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Susan White
Susan White was the monuments supervisor for four marine national monuments. She was the first U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service superintendent of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and World Heritage Site and also oversaw the Pacific Remote Islands, Rose Atoll, and Marianas Trench Marine National Monuments. A recipient of the Department of the Interior’s Distinguished Service Award, White is currently the refuge manager of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
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Charlie Pelizza
Charlie Pelizza worked with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for more than 36 years in habitats ranging from the tidal marshes of the Delaware Bay and prairies of the Dakotas to the deserts of the American southwest and the tropical islands of the Pacific. He was most recently the assistant refuge supervisor for the Hawaii and Pacific Island refuges and marine national monuments and the branch chief for planning and visitor services.
The Filmmakers
Tandem Stills + Motion is a leading media company that unites photography, film production, and technology with the outdoor and adventure marketplace. Tandem works in the genres of nature, conservation, science, exploration, and environmental education. We are a full-service production company working in television, theatrical, and giant-screen cinema.
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Technology Meets Nature
Employing the latest in digital technology, Hidden Pacific transports audiences into the vibrant world of America’s marine national monuments. Filmed with stunning 6K and 8K digital cinema cameras, audiences will have the opportunity to experience these public lands from the sky, on land, and deep underwater.
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Post-Production
After six months of shooting on four different remote islands, Tandem’s filmmakers began the challenging process of sorting through more than 130 hours of footage. The film truly came to life in post-production as they combined the beautiful original score by Cody Westheimer (Journey to Space IMAX) with the storytelling of editor Ian Maliniak (Midway: Edge of Tomorrow) and a fantastic array of nature sounds captured in these pristine environments.
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Distribution
Since 1997, Giant Screen Films has established itself as a pioneer in the large-format industry, producing and distributing films that push the boundaries of the medium. Through the magic of immersive sight and sound technologies, GSF’s productions challenge the imaginations of children and adults, offering an inspiring perspective on the world and an unforgettable theater experience.
Partners
Partnering with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, as well as leading environmental groups in the United States, Hidden Pacific will play a major role in educating the public, supporting conservation efforts, and providing exclusive visual content for media coverage.
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife
For Hidden Pacific, the USFWS and Tandem partnered on a multi-platform initiative to educate and inspire the public about these remote marine national monuments in the Pacific Ocean. As part of this effort, USFWS provided critical access to these protected areas in addition to on-the-ground support from scientists and refuge managers. The filming effort was an extraordinary undertaking, as a way to showcase these important monuments and help connect them with the public worldwide.
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National Parks Conservation Association
Since its founding in 1919, National Parks Conservation Association has been the independent, nonpartisan voice working to strengthen and protect America’s favorite places. With 1.3 million members and supporters beside the organization, it is the voice of America’s national parks, working to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for present and future generations.