Log in
The Coelacanth, a dive into our origins

The Coelacanth, a dive into our origins

A unique human adventure and a media-worthy scientific project

2013 · 91 min · ★ 8.2 · Documentary

Gombessa Expedition 1 To dive for the Coelacanth is to go back in time. In 1938, when it was known only as a fossil, a Coelacanth was discovered in South Africa in a fisherman's net. This species bears witness to an evolutionary bifurcation 380 million years ago, and bears the marks of a great event: the day the fish left the ocean for the open air. Does it hold the secret to the transition to walking on land? In 2010, a marine biologist and outstanding diver, Laurent Ballesta, took the first photographs of the Coelacanth in its ecosystem. In April 2013, divers and researchers set down their equipment at the Sodwana base camp in South Africa, in the club founded by Peter Timm (who died in 2014). Six weeks of extreme diving at depths of over 120 meters, in an attempt to film the Coelacanth with a double-headed camera, collect its DNA and tag a subject with a satellite-linked beacon...

Directed by Gil Kébaïli · Written by Gil Kébaïli

Your Rating

Cast

Trailers & Videos

Make it a double feature

1h 58m together

The Coelacanth, a dive into our origins

700 Sharks (Gombessa 4, Genesis)

Both from Gil Kébaïli.

More from Gil KébaïliSee all →

700 Sharks (Gombessa 4, Genesis)700 Sharks (Gombessa 4, Genesis) · 2016
700 Sharks (Gombessa 4, Genesis)
★ 10.02016
MovieDocumentary
Originally, in 2014, Laurent Ballesta had just one precise objective: to unravel the mystery of groupers. To understand the issues involved in their collective reproduction. But although focused on the study of groupers, the real surprise came from the sharks. Never before had the team been confronted with such a density of grey reef sharks. The divers took up the challenge of counting them. Methodically, they repeated the operation many times to arrive at the impressive figure of 700 grey reef sharks. Each year, the team returned to the southern pass of Fakarava in French Polynesia. Until 2019, for the fourth expedition, "Gombessa 4" is the synthesis of precise and unique scientific protocols. The mission demonstrated that shark hunts are not anarchic, but rely in part on social organization within the horde, following in the footsteps of the 700 grey sharks in "700 sharks in the night (Gombessa 4, Genesis)".
Sulawesi, expédition au coeur de l'île mystèreSulawesi, expédition au coeur de l'île mystère · 2019
Sulawesi, expédition au coeur de l'île mystère
★ 9.02019
MovieDocumentary
The Grouper MysteryThe Grouper Mystery · 2015
The Grouper Mystery
★ 8.52015
MovieDocumentary
In French Polynesia, there is a place where every year, thousands of groupers gather in secret followed by hundreds of sharks… The photographer, diver and biologist Laurent Ballesta, with his team, wanted to better understand what motivates these fish to wait until the exact day of the full moon to spawn all at once! With the help of researchers from the CNRS of Moorea, they dived and conducted numerous experiments to study and witness this unique phenomenon. Taking advantage of this period of incredible richness, Laurent Ballesta did a record dive of 24 hours at over 20 meters.
Méditerranée : la face immergée des volcansMéditerranée : la face immergée des volcans · 2023
Méditerranée : la face immergée des volcans
★ 8.52023
MovieDocumentary
With the help of diver and biologist Laurent Ballesta, a scientific expedition explores three sunken Italian volcanic sites in the Mediterranean.
The Deep MedThe Deep Med · 2020
The Deep Med
★ 8.22020
MovieDocumentary
The Mediterranean. Because people have been travelling there for thousands of years, it is believed to be without secrets. And yet, far below its surface, lie vast unexplored territories, luxurious gardens worthy of the finest tropical coral reefs. These natural wonders are inaccessible to the traditional diver, in a twilight zone, between 60 and 120 m, where there’s less than 1% of sunlight. If diving at such depths is always a challenge, staying there is a fantasy, a utopia that becomes reality in Planet Mediterranean. In the tradition of Commander Cousteau and his "houses under the sea," the team of diver-photographer Laurent Ballesta is undertaking a new world-record setting mission in complete freedom and without time limit.
La Véritable Histoire du radeau de La MéduseLa Véritable Histoire du radeau de La Méduse · 2015
La Véritable Histoire du radeau de La Méduse
★ 8.02015
MovieDocumentaryHistory
On July 5, 1816, the raft of La Méduse, about 20 by 12 meters, began its slow drift. They left at 151 and 13 days later, after a hellish journey, arrived at 15... Who knows the true story of Le Radeau de La Méduse? Painted in 1819, Théodore Géricault's romantic masterpiece became so famous that it has since overshadowed the true story that inspired it. In June 1816, during the Restoration under Louix XVIII, a French ship, the Méduse, left the port of Rochefort bound for Senegal. Its crew, made up of the new governor Schamaltz, company officials, troops and the expeditionary corps, had to settle in this former colony restored to France by England. In all, some 400 passengers. But due to the unpredictable cartography of the time and the short-sightedness of its commander, La Méduse ran aground on a sandbank off the coast of Mauritania.
Expéditions au cœur des mondes perdusExpéditions au cœur des mondes perdus · 2017
Expéditions au cœur des mondes perdus
★ 8.02017
SeriesAction & AdventureDocumentary
Antarctica, in the footsteps of the EmperorAntarctica, in the footsteps of the Emperor · 2016
Antarctica, in the footsteps of the Emperor
★ 7.32016
MovieDocumentary
Gombessa Expedition 3 Protected by an international treaty Antarctica has been spared the effects of hunting and fishing. But signs in ice’s cyclical patterns and its biodiversity have become worrying. Connected to the planet’s global ecosystem via atmospheric circulation and ocean currents, this white haven is suffering the effects of human activities. To document and explain what is unfolding in Antarctica, photographer, diver, and marine biologist Laurent Ballesta and photographer of extreme environments Vincent Munier will be blending their artistic perspectives of a rapidly changing continent. Laurent will tackle technical and human prowess below the ice to bear witness to its remarkable underwater life. His photographs will advance knowledge on Antarctica’s unique and little-known biodiversity. On land, his eye riveted to the lens of his camera, Vincent captures snapshots of life in an Emperor Penguin colony.
Ushuaïa NatureUshuaïa Nature · 1998
Ushuaïa Nature
★ 6.01998
SeriesDocumentary
In each episode, an exotic part of the world, of various extent, either on land and/or in the sea, defined by natural geography or human population, is presented. Native wildlife, natural conditions and their interaction with local people are examined.
Surviving the LagoonSurviving the Lagoon · 2018
Surviving the Lagoon
2018
MovieDocumentary
In the heart of the a vast ocean, the atolls of the Pacific are like oasis in a sprawling desert. Each one contains a unique and breathtaking environment. Where the reef breaks, the ecosystem of the lagoon flourishes. Filmed in UHD and extreme slow motion, this film captures the exclusive behavior of the creatures that live here, including sharks, whales, manta rays, groupers, and many more.
Frankreich aus der LuftFrankreich aus der Luft · 2014
Frankreich aus der Luft
2014
MovieDocumentary
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The fascinating variety of landscapes combined with a rich cultural heritage, symbolized by fantastic buildings and cathedrals the beauty of France. Almost 3500 kilometers of coastline with golden sandy beaches, imposing, deep cliffs and vast forests resembling a green mystical carpet - you simply have to fall in love with France's coasts. In a dreamlike flight along the North Sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, we visit over 30 incomparable harbor towns, filmed for the first time from a perspective that fully captures the beauty of these places.

More Like This

Winged MigrationWinged Migration · 2001
Winged Migration
★ 7.62001
MovieDocumentary
This documentary follows various migratory bird species on their long journeys from their summer homes to the equator and back, covering thousands of miles and navigating by the stars. These arduous treks are crucial for survival, seeking hospitable climates and food sources. Birds face numerous challenges, including crossing oceans and evading predators, illness, and injury. Although migrations are undertaken as a community, birds disperse into family units once they reach their destinations, and every continent is affected by these migrations, hosting migratory bird species at least part of the year.
Dolphin ReefDolphin Reef · 2018
Dolphin Reef
★ 6.82018
MovieDocumentaryFamily
Echo is a youngster who can't quite decide if it's time to grow up and take on new responsibilities-or give in to her silly side and just have fun. Dolphin society is tricky, and the coral reef that Echo and his family call home depends on all of its inhabitants to keep it healthy. But Echo has a tough time resisting the many adventures the ocean has to offer.
Deep BlueDeep Blue · 2003
Deep Blue
★ 6.92003
MovieDocumentary
Deep Blue is a major documentary feature film shot by the BBC Natural History Unit. An epic cinematic rollercoaster ride for all ages, Deep Blue uses amazing footage to tell us the story of our oceans and the life they support.
EarthEarth · 2007
Earth
★ 7.62007
MovieDocumentary
An epic story of adventure, starring some of the most magnificent and courageous creatures alive, awaits you in EARTH. Disneynature brings you a remarkable story of three animal families on a journey across our planet – polar bears, elephants and humpback whales.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter