Have you ever wondered what the Garden of Eden was really all about? Well, the September offering from ACC’s Faith Formation Committee, the film, My Octopus Teacher, may provide clues. 

This film was made off the coast of South Africa by a South African naturalist and environmental film maker who was recovering from burn-out as a result of his previous film effort conducted in the Kalahari Desert. The film was released by Netflix in the fall of 2020. The cinematography is spellbinding and merited the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Cinematography. Other awards include…

- The Academy Award for Best Documentary
- The Producers Guild of America Award for Best Documentary
- The BATF Award for Best Documentary
- The Golden Horn Award for Best Natural History and Environmental Programme
- The Eddie Award for Best Edited Documentary.

The reality of the film is provided by the producer and personage in the film, Craig Foster, accompanied by his son in many scenes. Craig, while diving in his childhood haunt off the storm-ridden coast, actually encounters and develops a relationship with an octopus. The trust the octopus grants to Craig allows him to observe and film the actual life story of this creature, documenting her activities, rationality, and ingenuity. 

This film illustrates the interrelationship in which all of creation is involved. Which brings us back to the question, “What was the Garden of Eden really about?”

This film will be shown in the Fireside Room at Arlington Community Church on September 6 (Note: We’re moving to Wednesdays!) at 1:30. Of course, there will be popcorn and lemon water, and a short discussion of the film afterward.