Last night, Brisbane’s Star Casino Leisure Deck was transformed into a mystical sanctuary of technicolour. All ages were welcomed to bask in the magnificence of deep-sea exploration for the Australian premiere of A Life Illuminated as part of the 2025 Brisbane International Film Festival.
In 2012, the film’s Director Tasha Van Zandt recalls seeing an incredible video of a giant squid discovery, which absolutely transformed her worldview. This ultimately led her to the woman who made the groundbreaking discovery: scientist Edie Widder.
“I had been exposed to a reality that I thought everyone should know about, and they didn’t,” she says.
A Life Illuminated is a documentary that explores Edie Widder’s magnificent career as an oceanographer and marine biologist. The film follows her exploration to the deepest depths of the ocean, particularly in search of capturing bioluminescence on camera. It is an engaging account of Edie’s journey of discovery, with her passion for the environment seeping throughout the narrative.
The film begins with ominous shots of the rolling sea, overlayed with Edie’s voice and a suspenseful soundtrack, welcoming audiences to embark on an expedition alongside Edie. The film blends cinematic footage with archival video to demonstrate the global impact of Edie’s work and evolution of her career. Tasha describes Edie as a pioneer in her field and a trailblazer in making space for other women in marine biology.
The beginning of the film prioritises connecting audiences with our main character, Edie Widder, through depicting her struggles as a woman in her field. Particularly during her first expedition in 1982, where Edie was consistently subject to reminders of how women are ‘bad luck’ at sea.
“I think a lot of women lose interest in science when they don’t have role models,” Edie says.
The film segues into exploring Edie’s childhood, where she was raised by mathematician parents, and spent plenty of time travelling. A glimpse into her past allows audiences to understand how Edie developed an unwavering love and fascination for marine biology.
The film establishes mood consistently through thoughtful use of music and video. Some shots frame the deep blue sea as this ‘mysterious entity.’ When Edie is fearful, we are fearful.
Through lingering the camera on Edie’s face, depicting a wide grin as she sits in a submersible with a backdrop of the ocean to complement, audiences are welcomed to view the sea through Edie’s eyes. When Edie is fascinated, we are fascinated.
In 1985, Edie and her team developed a SPLAT screen which stimulates bioluminescence and measures light output, as sea creatures bump against the submerged screen.
Capturing bioluminescence on camera is something Edie consistently strived for throughout her career. Film producer Sebastian Zeck says the creation of A Life Illuminated required the use of submersibles. Tasha and Sebastian joined Edie in her deep-sea exploration to film this bioluminescent phenomenon and share its magnificence on screen.
“It’s a huge technical challenge filming the deep sea, and bioluminescence has rarely been filmed, requiring a very sensitive light camera,” Sebastian says.
Edie is an expert in the flashback phenomenon, occurring as a submersible flashes light and bioluminescent creatures flash back. The film concludes with stunning footage of bioluminescent creatures twinkling to form a stunning light show; a heartfelt and visually marvellous way of depicting Edie’s journey of discovery, with an orchestral soundtrack to harmoniously connect music with visuals.
A Life Illuminated highlights Edie’s marvellous career progression and enthralling expeditions into a world untouched by man. The film challenges more frightening depictions of the ocean and its creatures, finding beauty in its mystery. Through the expert lens of the filmmakers, audiences can revel in Edie’s relationship with the deep sea.
The film concludes with an inspiring call to action. Edie expresses a need for more explorers and describes deep-sea exploration as an important new way of looking at life on Earth.
As the credits roll, magnificent footage is overlayed, showing a final glimpse of bioluminescent creatures found on the deep-sea; a sublime conclusion to complement Edie’s final testimony: “That’s why I fell in love with bioluminescence, it illuminates life.”
A Life Illuminated screens tonight at Palace Barracks as part of the 2025 Brisbane International Film Festival.
Tickets: https://tix.biff.com.au/Events/A-Life-Illuminated-Q-A
Website: https://biff.com.au/ and https://www.alifeilluminated.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/bnefilmfest/ and https://www.instagram.com/alifeilluminatedfilm/
Images supplied. Watch the trailer here:
Film details:
Title: A Life Illuminated
Director: Tasha Van Zandt
Cast: Edith Widder
Country of Origin: United States
Duration: 89 mins
