Take Back the Harbor

Take Back the Harbor is an inspiring 2018 documentary film that delves into the unconventional story of marine conservation. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmakers Kristi Jacobson and Roger Ross Williams and running at 40 minutes, this film toes the fragile line between urban development and environmental conservation. The documentary focuses on a unique high school program at the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School and offers a thought-provoking mixture of education, environmentalism, youth empowerment, and urban rehabilitation.

Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, the plot follows a group of passionate and dynamic high school students enrolled at the Harbor School. Here, these high schoolers are provided a unique opportunity to learn not only conventional school subjects but also different maritime skills like piloting boats, scuba diving, and marine biology. The school's visionary curriculum and goals are aimed at ensuring a cleaner and healthier New York Harbor while equipping the students with a unique set of skills and knowledge fitting the harbor's environment.

The primary focus of "Take Back the Harbor" is the school's ambitious Billion Oyster Project. Tackling both ecological and educational hurdles, this program aims to reintroduce a billion live oysters to the New York Harbor over the next two decades. The oysters serve a dual purpose, acting as a crucial part of the marine ecosystem and strategic water cleaners by filtering pollutants.

Using insightful footage, interviews, and environmental data, the documentary demonstrates the unorthodox conservation measures of these diligent students, their teachers, and their partners. They persist against unfavourable odds and the rather stirring political climate, collecting baby oysters from restaurants throughout the city, cultivating them in nurseries, and eventually implanting the grown oysters in reef structures.

Throughout the film, we see the project's growth and the many challenges encountered along the way. The relationship between the city's past and its potential future become shockingly clear. By introducing the audience to the students' backgrounds, aspirations, and fears about the natural world’s future, the movie goes beyond being just an educational film, becoming an emotive journey of young environmentalists and their inspiring actions.

The lead characters, students from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, are brought to life with genuine heart and charisma. The filmmakers expertly portray their growing awareness of the environment's fragility, their growing respect for the maritime culture, and how this hands-on, real-world education impacts their lives.

The directors balance the complexity of environmental issues with personal coming-of-age stories through intimate storytelling techniques. They chose to tell this narrative with hope and plausibility, shattering stereotypes about the young generation's disinterest in the environment and their community.

"Take Back the Harbor" is a visually impressive documentary. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the New York City skyline, the expansive harbor, the mundane charm of local eateries, and the underwater scenes of the oyster colonies with an artful eye. The film’s pacing is consistent throughout, enhancing the viewer's engagement.

Framed against a beautiful soundtrack that amplifies the sense of urgency, panic, and ecstasy at various places, the film succeeds in creating an immersive viewing experience. The background score aligns well with the film's tone, successfully adding an emotional layer to the narrative.

Overall, the movie serves as both a beacon of environmental hope and a testament to the powers of practical, proactive education. It paints an urgent, yet hopeful picture about the environmental predicaments we face in our urban landscapes, answering with innovative hands-on education and genuine community effort.

It brings to light an urgent narrative that will resound with a global audience. Beyond its literal message of sea conservation, it also subtly transmits a broader message about the underappreciated potential and creativity that lies within our youth.

Most importantly, "Take Back the Harbor" is a powerful and moving documentary film about people's response to an almost invisible ecological crisis. It clearly highlights the significant role our future generation can play in preserving and restoring our environment. This movie is an absolute must-watch, especially for those who care about the planet, the city's future, algae, mollusks, and intertidal ecosystems. Viewers will come away with ideas, inspiration, and hope for a greener future.