Ocean with David Attenborough reflects the broadcaster’s lifetime, guiding viewers through a century of discoveries about Earth’s oceans. The film’s directors spoke to Sky News at the premiere, held just ahead of Attenborough’s 99th birthday.
Sir David Attenborough’s latest film has been described by its directors as “the biggest message he’s ever told,” with one admitting that the broadcaster’s closing words on protecting the world’s oceans brought him to tears.
Ocean With David Attenborough, released in cinemas this week to coincide with Attenborough’s 99th birthday on Thursday, reflects his lifetime of work, guiding viewers through a century of discoveries about Earth’s seas. The presenter hopes the film will raise awareness and help safeguard the planet against climate change.
Filmed over two years, the documentary showcases coral reefs, kelp forests, and the open oceans, illustrating why healthy oceans are vital for maintaining the planet’s stability.
Among the guests at the premiere, held at London’s Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall, was King Charles, who spent time with Sir David on the red carpet.
Toby Nowlan, one of the directors of Ocean with David Attenborough who has collaborated with the broadcaster for around 16 years, told Sky News entertainment correspondent Katie Spencer that the film is “very different” from any of his previous work.
“Nothing has come close to how important this film is,” he said. “I remember sitting on a very cold beach off Sussex, filming the opening and closing words for the film. It was such a poignant moment—truly the most powerful words I’ve ever heard him say.”
Sir David reflects on his nearly 100 years on Earth and emphasizes that the planet’s oceans are the most critical area to protect. “And if we save the ocean, we save our world,” Nowlan said. “It really hit me, and yes, I welled up.”
He added that while Sir David’s message is arguably his “biggest” yet, it is ultimately one of hope.
“There’s been a lot of doom and gloom over the last few years,” Nowlan explained. “We want the takeaway to be: if we save our oceans, we can make a huge difference—for our climate, fisheries, conservation, and food security.”
“The man never stops”
Fellow director Keith Scholey, who first met Sir David as a zoology student in the 1980s, reflected on working with the legendary broadcaster.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with him throughout my career,” he said. “He’s an incredible team player. He does what he does exceptionally well, expects very high standards, but it’s always been a really fun process working with him.”
Scholey also praised Attenborough’s extraordinary work ethic. “The man never stops. For him, time is precious, and he never wastes it. That drive is infectious for everyone who works with him.”
He added that Sir David still has plenty more to come. “I’m sure this isn’t his last documentary at all. In fact, I know there are other projects underway, but this one is particularly important.”
Colin Butfield, another director on the film, said the crew would inevitably be swept up in Attenborough’s enthusiasm and energy during production.
“If there’s a strange creature at the end, he’ll go anywhere”
Actor and travel presenter Sir Michael Palin, former US Secretary of State and climate envoy John Kerry, and astronaut Tim Peake were among the celebrities and notable figures attending the film’s premiere.
Speaking to Sky News, Kerry described himself as “genuinely optimistic” about the planet’s future and said Ocean delivers “a new motivator and a strong message that people will find inescapable.”
He added: “We all love the ocean. Many people assume it’s too vast to be harmed, but that’s not true. Around the world, it’s currently under threat from human activity in ways that are unnecessary—but easily correctable.”
Sir Michael Palin praised Sir David Attenborough’s brilliance as a communicator, joking about some of the extraordinary situations he has filmed over the years.
“He has a wonderful way of telling stories, and he clearly loves a bit of discomfort. If there’s a strange creature at the end, he’ll go anywhere,” Palin said.
“He’s had it far worse than me. I’ve been to some of the same places and felt the cold, but he’ll lie down to get a close look at penguins—I just walk through them!”
He added that Sir David’s work “leaves all the rest of us behind.”
“We have to keep going because he sets such an incredible example,” Palin continued. “But he does it with a sense of wonder. He’s genuinely curious about the world and still has that awe when he talks about what he’s doing. It’s really inspiring.”