Black Ice

Maarten van Rouveroy van Nieuwaal/ 2013/ 53 min/ Social Justice, Youth (Middle School +)

Film Description: Black Ice is a riveting documentary that chronicles a dramatic and high-stakes protest organized by Greenpeace in the Arctic Ocean. This film delves into the intense and perilous events that unfolded when the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise set sail to challenge the first-ever oil drilling in the Arctic. None of the activists on board could have anticipated the extreme and dangerous course that their peaceful protest would take.

The documentary captures a pivotal moment in environmental activism when the Arctic Sunrise crew, known as the 'Arctic 30,' faced an unprecedented and aggressive response from Russian authorities. What began as a bold attempt to protect the pristine Arctic environment from the encroaching oil industry quickly escalated into an international crisis. The crew, hailing from 18 different countries, found themselves seized at gunpoint by Russian special forces. The crew members were not only detained but were also charged with serious offenses including piracy and hooliganism, facing up to 15 years in prison.

The arrest and detention of the Arctic 30 created a global media frenzy, drawing parallels between their plight and that of other high-profile political prisoners like Pussy Riot and Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The ruthless response from the Russian government marked one of the most severe actions against a non-governmental organization (NGO) in a quarter of a century. The film documents the harsh realities of their imprisonment, which lasted several months and brought international attention to their cause.

Despite the formidable challenges and threats they faced, the Arctic 30 remained resolute in their mission to halt oil drilling in the Arctic. Their unwavering commitment to environmental protection and their courage under pressure are central themes of the film, which provides an in-depth look at their experiences and the broader implications of their protest.

"Black Ice" offers a gripping narrative that not only highlights the personal stories of the activists but also underscores the larger battle between environmentalists and powerful industrial interests. The film captures the tension and drama of the Arctic protest, illustrating the high stakes involved in the fight to preserve one of the world's last untouched frontiers.

Director Bio: Maarten van Rouveroy, the director of "Black Ice," brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for environmental issues to the project. Born in 1976, Maarten is currently the head of video production at Greenpeace International, based in Amsterdam. His professional background uniquely positions him to tell the story of the Arctic 30 with both expertise and empathy.

Maarten's academic background includes degrees in marine biology, with a specialization in tropical marine ecology, and cinematography from the Amsterdam Film Academy. His dual expertise in science and filmmaking fuels his commitment to environmental storytelling. At Greenpeace, Maarten leads a dedicated video production team responsible for creating a diverse range of content, from news segments to short documentaries and creative web videos. His role involves overseeing the production process, commissioning camera work, and collaborating with television news producers, documentary filmmakers, and online video channels.

In addition to his work with Greenpeace, Maarten has a track record of producing and shooting both fiction and documentary films that address political and social issues. His extensive experience in the field of environmental journalism and film production is evident in the impactful and compelling narrative of "Black Ice."

Maarten's dedication to capturing and conveying critical environmental issues is reflected in the film's powerful portrayal of the Arctic 30's struggle. Through his direction, "Black Ice" not only sheds light on the immediate conflict but also contributes to the broader dialogue about environmental activism and the resistance against corporate and governmental overreach.