By Sarah Mueller
cinéSPEAK
Sarah Mueller, the founder and director of cinéSPEAK, curated the ultimate water-themed movie list that will inspire, humor, and remind you of just how magical our waterways can be. So while we practice physical distancing, take a deep dive into her top 10 film recommendations. We promise you won’t be disappointed. #MyPhillyWaterfront
If You’re Scared to Go in the Water …
SAVING JAWS (Hulu)
Director: Brando Keoni TeTawa Bowthorpe; 2019; Documentary
Renowned Marine Biologist, Ocean Ramsey (aka “The Shark Whisper”), credits her unparalleled connection with sharks to over a decade of research. Join Ocean as she and a small team of marine biologists travel the globe in the hopes of bringing to light the beauty of sharks. Ocean gives expert advice about what to do if you come face to face with a shark and provides insight on changing our perceptions in time to combat the looming extinction of the species.
If You're Reminiscing About Summer Camp ...
SEOUL SEARCHING (Netflix)
Director: Benson Lee; 2015; Comedy - Summer Camp - Coming-of-Age Movie
In 1986, a group of foreign-born Korean teenagers attended a summer camp in South Korea.
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If you're in a lazy summer mood ...
BEACH BUM (Hulu)
Director Harmony Korine; 2019; Artsy Dark Comedy; Rated R
Moondog (Matthew McConaughey) is a fun-loving, pot-smoking, beer-drinking writer who lives life on his own terms in Florida. If he can put down the drugs for just one minute, he may finally be able to put his talent to good use and finish the next great American novel.
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If You’re Missing the Great Big Blue ...
DISNEYNATURE’S OCEANS (Netflix)
Director: Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud; 2009; Nature Documentary
This documentary examines the vital role water plays in human existence and the cause-and-effect interplay between oceans and the environment
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If You're Seeking a Thrill ...
47 METERS DOWN (Netflix)
Director: Johannes Roberts; 2017; Thriller - Creature Feature
Two sisters vacationing in Mexico are trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean. With less than an hour of oxygen left and great white sharks circling nearby, they must fight to survive.
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If You’re missing the Drama of the Boardwalk …
JERSEY SHORE (6 seasons are on Hulu)
Created by: Anthony Beltempo, SallyAnn Salsano; 2009-2012; Reality TV Show
A reality-based look at the vapid lives of several New Jersey 20-somethings and their respective friends and/or hook-ups.
If You Wanna Celebrate that GIRLS ROCK! ...
MAIDENTRIP (Kanopy—FREE for Philadelphia Library cardholders!)
Director: Jillian Schlesinger; 2013; Dutch - Documentary
14-year-old Laura Dekker sets out on a two-year voyage in pursuit of her dream to become the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.
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If You’re Looking to Catch a Wave or Two ...
ENDLESS SUMMER (Kanopy—FREE for Philadelphia Library cardholders!)
Director: Bruce Brown; 1965; Classic - Documentary
The crown jewel to ten years of Bruce Brown surfing documentaries. Brown follows two young surfers around the world in search of the perfect wave and ends up finding quite a few in addition to some colorful local characters.
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WHITE WASH: AFRICAN AMERICAN SURFERS (Kanopy—FREE for Philadelphia Library cardholders!)
Director: Ted Woods; 2011; Socio-Cultural - Documentary
White Wash, the documentary, is a film exploring the complexity of race in America through the struggle and triumph of black surfers. The story is narrated by Grammy Award® winner Ben Harper with Tariq "Blackthought" Trotter of the Roots and told through the eyes of black surfers from Hawaii, Jamaica, Florida, and California.
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If You Want to Travel Around the World in a Few Short Minutes ...
THE DEWBERRY EMPIRE
Director: Christian Schlaeffer; 8 min; UK - Animation
An eight-year-old girl and six-year-old boy amble through a strange and still summer afternoon in a world that seems to exist only for them. Recording real audio of two kids at play and using this as the basis of his story, Schlaeffer has created a wandering short that perfectly captures the unrestricted spirit of youth.
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JONAS AND THE SEA
Director: Marlies Van Der Wel; 12 min; Netherlands - Animation
A man casts everything aside in pursuit of his lifelong dream. Jonas has dreamed of living in the sea all his life, but it’s not possible—or is it?
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BEACH FLAGS
Director: Sarah Saidan; 14 min; 2014; France, Iran - Animation
Vida is a young Iranian lifeguard swimmer. Popular in her team, she is determined to fight in order to be the one to participate in an international competition in Australia.
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Share what you think of Sarah’s awesome picks by leaving us a comment on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter today! #MyPhillyWaterfront
