Follow National Geographic photographer James Balog across the Arctic as he deploys time-lapse cameras designed for one purpose: to capture a multi-year record of the world's changing glaciers.
A deserving winner of Best Cinematography at Sundance, Chasing Ice is a uniquely visual adventure with a chilling message warmed by Balog’s humanity.
This climate-change documentary's approach is conventional, but the extraordinary images of crumbling icesheets speak volumes.
First-rate.
Director Jeff Orlowski doesn’t preach to his audience though and successfully balances a sense of urgency with this fascinating subject matter. It’s an absorbing and vital watch.
When we eventually see the result of his time-lapse chronicle, it is striking and sobering.
Given the lack of traction on climate policy, you have to wonder how seriously politicians take the science. This is especially true of the world's most powerful nation, after the deafening silence on climate change policy during the recent US presidential election campaign. That sense of frustration will be all the more acute after watching this.
These visuals are haunting for their beauty as well as their environmental implications. Chasing Ice is not just recommended viewing, it is essential.
Chasing ice: glaciers in retreat
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Thursday December 27, 2012, until Monday December 31, 2012. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com