THE NET | Documentary
The Net
I am currently working on a short documentary about Bottom Trawling. It will launch in Autumn.
The Net is an unvarnished, close-up documentary that follows four bottom trawl fishermen off the coast of Mallorca. Filmed on board in the rhythm of their everyday lives, it captures the raw atmosphere of early mornings, long hours, and the physical strain of life at sea. The camera stays close – offering an honest glimpse into a world rarely seen from this perspective. These men are not portrayed as villains, but as individuals trapped in a system that threatens their own livelihood.
Yet below the surface, the film reveals the environmental cost of this highly destructive fishing method. Bottom trawling, often seen by the fishermen as efficient, is shown to have devastating effects on the ocean floor, marine habitats, and species diversity.
The documentary also confronts the viewer with shocking images of dead fish, discarded bycatch, and the wastefulness of this destructive practice.
The disconnect between the fishermen’s lived experience and the reality unfolding is at the core of the film’s tension. Through direct observations at sea and insights from marine scientists and conservationists, The Net highlights the complexity of the issue. With its grounded tone and unscripted access, the film offers a nuanced look at a practice that is both a livelihood and a threat. It challenges viewers to face the uncomfortable truth about where our seafood comes from, and what it takes to move toward something better – for the ocean, and for those who depend on it.
Get in touch if you are interested in a Screening and Q&A Event.
info@julia-ochs.com
More info: www.thenet-documentary.com
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