Turtle: The Incredible Journey

Turtle: The Incredible Journey

Lauren Kirk

I could watch Animal Planet, the Discovery, or the National Geographic for hours. And sometimes I do. Don’t judge. So when I saw that Turtle: The Incredible Journey was being shown at this years CIFF I knew it was a definite must see for me. On Sunday afternoon there wasn’t an empty seat in the theater. Little kids and parents, adults and teens all turned out to see this great documentary. I was lucky enough to get a seat even though it was all the way in the very front row, I was just happy to be in.
Turtle: The Incredible Journey follows a loggerhead turtle from her birth on a Florida beach to her amazing journey down the Gulf Stream and her ultimate return back to the same Florida beach to give birth. I don’t know if it is more amazing that the crew was able to follow this one turtle for so long or that she survived all that she went through. Seeing her pull herself out of a detour, avoid predators and oil slicks, and a fisherman’s hook just amazed me at how resilient these creatures are.
The camera work was amazing and seeing this journey that is so hidden from humans, yet so critical to the survival of this species, makes this documentary truly a treat for animal and science lovers. The underlying message of conservation and protection is clear throughout the film, yet never is it overbearing. The film’s community sponsorship was with the Cleveland Metroparks who also provided some information on protecting Ohio’s turtles. The loggerhead turtle is an incredible animal that goes through so much to ensure her part in keeping her species alive. This documentary shows that protection and conservation is needed so these journeys can continue.

For more information go to: http://www.saveourseas.org/