In 2018, filmmaker Amanda Kowalski was invited to join oceanographer Robert Pickart on an Arctic research expedition. As part of a grant requirement to communicate science to the public, her assignment was to create a fifteen-minute, character-driven film about what it takes to collect data in extreme conditions. The goal was to craft a story that was both engaging and accessible—one that humanized the researchers, revealed daily life at sea, and conveyed the core science. But once aboard, both Amanda and Robert realized the real story wasn’t just about the struggle against nature. It was about the far more complicated challenge of navigating human dynamics—a shift that redefined the heart of both the expedition and the film.

Because the original intent of this project was public outreach, the film is being offered without a paywall. The filmmakers and chief scientist encourage it to be shared widely. For those interested in hosting an official screening or discussion, please contact Amanda Kowalski at amanda@forgephotography.com.