The Discovery of an Unknown World
The underwater world still holds a magical attraction for us humans, but it is no longer uncharted territory. We owe our ability to view footage of colorful coral reefs or imposing sharks to an extraordinary man: Hans Hass. He was the first to make the world of the seas accessible to us with his recordings and research expeditions. And he did this at a time when it was almost impossible. This film tells the story of the unparalleled pioneer of marine wildlife films, Hans Hass.
Hans Hass had no inkling as a young man that a trip to the French Riviera would profoundly shape his future. It was there that his enthusiasm for the underwater world was sparked, eventually leading him to become a pioneer in underwater photography and marine research.
But how did it come about that a young man from Vienna – at the beginning of World War II, no less – would soon embark on a groundbreaking career as a diver, filmmaker, and zoologist, despite all odds?
This is something that Hans Hass’ biographer and longtime friend, Michael Jung, knows well. He recounts Hass’ desire to study marine animals in their own habitat, seeing them as part of their world. This radical new approach allowed for entirely new observations. Underwater photographer and marine biologist Laurent Ballesta still benefits from Hass’ work today, as do underwater film producers Claudia and Hendrik Schmitt.
Claudia Schmitt is particularly aware of the pioneering work of Hass’ wife, Lotte, who significantly contributed to her husband’s success and was the first woman to conquer the male-dominated underwater world. However, their daughter Meta Raunig-Hass suffered under this fame, as she spent much of her childhood seeing her parents only on television or the movie screen.
This film provides fascinating insights into the world of Hans Hass, who, with more than 70 films and numerous self-developed technologies, laid the foundation for marine wildlife films and filmmakers who followed.
Written and Directed by: Daniela Pulverer
Contributors: Alina Willing
Cinematography: Imanuel Spiegel, Jürgen Hansen, Arthur Summereder
Underwater Cinematography: Claudia and Hendrik Schmitt
Editing: Imanuel Spiegel
A K22film production commissioned by ARTE