A new expedition documentary series is bringing together a 14-member, all-female team of divers, scientists and explorers to document threatened marine sanctuaries across the Americas.
“Sea Americas,” led by underwater filmmaker Jennifer Idol and Ocean Geographic Science Editor Alex Rose, follows real expedition dives into protected waters undergoing rapid ecological change. The series investigates what is happening beneath the surface and what can still be preserved, from coral reef decline in the Florida Keys to freshwater acidification in the Great Lakes.
The expedition team draws from across the diving and ocean space, including cave explorer and filmmaker Jill Heinerth, freediving world champion Mehgan Heaney-Grier, NOAA maritime archaeologist Stephanie Gandulla and underwater stunt performer Liz Parkinson, whose work includes “Avatar” and “Black Panther,” alongside a broader group of marine scientists, filmmakers and conservation storytellers.
Directed by Keero Birla, whose credits include IMAX productions and the Emmy-nominated “The Space Race” on Disney+, the project is being developed as a proof-of-concept pilot.
To support initial filming, the team has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Seed&Spark, with a goal of US$25,000/~€21,330 to fund expedition logistics, underwater cinematography and post-production.
Filming is planned for this summer, with a completed pilot targeted for August 2026. If the campaign exceeds its goal, additional sanctuary locations will be included.
More information is available at seaamericas.com, and you can contribute to the crowdfunding campaign at seedandspark.com.
