A Decade of Discoveries and Oceanic Exploration with Under The Pole
Franck Gazzola
"A Decade of Discoveries and Oceanic Exploration with Under The Pole” tells the story of a unique ocean exploration odyssey, taking the viewers from the polar waters of the Arctic, to the twilight zone of French Polynesia, or living in the bottom of the Pacific Ocean in a tiny Capsule.
In 2015, Franck Gazzola left a 15-year career in Corporate to join a team of underwater explorers during an expedition in Greenland. Growing up watching Jacques Cousteau, this first experience as a professional Photographer changed his life and he has since then documented the project for the last 10 years.
Under The Pole was founded by Ghislain Bardout and Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout, married couple with two children. Their mission is to explore the deeper oceanic ecosystems, including polar waters, and put this know-how to the service of conservation and education.
In 2010, their first mission ‘’DeepSea Under The Pole by Rolex’’ documented the hidden side of the ice at the North Pole and put them on the radar as contemporary pioneers.
Beyond the complex technical aspects of the reportage, this 10-year project has been a growth journey for Franck Gazzola, finding his sense of purpose but stepping into this new world with everything to learn, pushing his limits, refining his craft, being away for months, creating unbreakable bonds, and often facing the harsh realities of the indigenous people met on the way.
This project is a vector for hope, the beauty is a reason to care, and the documentary a testimony that driven people can make a difference and in-turn inspire younger generations.