Short Film: Under the Ice

A stunning piece of cinematography today, which will send a shiver down your spine.

Listed at the Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors’ Showcase at Cannes last week, the short is entitled Johanna: Under the Ice and is directed by Ian Derry.

The short edits together footage of an Arctic diver (Johanna), who started to use this form of extreme diving as a cold water treatment to battle a terrible injury once inflicted on her leg. She narrates the initial agony of this extreme cold, something that she hated to start with, but that she became accustomed to over time. It seems now that this form have diving has become an enjoyment for Johanna; under the ice has become a place of calm, a place of serenity, and a place where you can trust yourself completely.

The breath-taking cinematography reflects this; it is all filmed in an icy colour palette, throwing a veritable frisson over the viewer. The striking, barren scenery coupled with the climactic music creates an immense dramatic tension whilst she saws an entry hole into the ice. The film becomes even more impressive, however, once Johanna submerges herself. The soundtrack becomes muffled, nuanced with sounds of ice cracking and bubbles escaping, creates a claustrophobic and fearful atmosphere. Furthermore, the visual shots that frame the diver against the thick iced surface above are quite simply otherworldly and incredible.

It’s a fantastic watch, check it out below. (And, it’ll only take you three and a half minutes to watch).