Antarctica: Gauchos del Mar’s new film pairs surf with an urgent environmental call

On August 27, brothers Joaquín and Julián Azulay will release Antarctica, their latest documentary narrated by Argentine actor Ricardo Darín. The film follows their journey through the southernmost continent on Earth and calls for the creation of a vast marine protected area.

“Antarctica is the only place on Earth that belongs to all of us. That means it’s our shared responsibility to protect it.” That’s how Antarctica opens, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.

The documentary focuses on the urgent need to protect a place that belongs to no one yet concerns us all. It reveals the devastating effects of climate change on one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems, the growing pressure of industrial fishing on krill populations, and the critical importance of establishing a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Viewers are encouraged to sign the petition here. Antarctica blends raw adventure with a clear message.

On this expedition, the Azulay brothers were joined by biologist Rodolfo Werner, a key voice in international Antarctic negotiations, and scientist Manuel Novillo, who studies krill, fish, and glacial ecosystems in the region. We sat down with the Gauchos del Mar team ahead of the premiere to learn more.

Why Antarctica? Why take your next film to the most remote place on Earth?

‍With every Gauchos del Mar project, we try to expand the limits of surf and explore new waves. Antarctica felt like the natural next step in this 15-year journey, especially once we found a deeper purpose: supporting the creation of a marine protected area in Domain 1.

‍In a continent that belongs to no one, how do you balance the desire to explore with the responsibility to protect?

‍Antarctica belongs to all of humanity, though many people don’t realize it. Before our trip, we conducted an environmental impact assessment with expert biologists, trained to minimize our footprint, and planned for different scenarios. Our mission was clear: leave no trace.It’s not just about getting there, it’s about how you get there. We hope this film raises awareness about the urgent need to protect Domain 1, especially against threats like industrial krill fishing, which sits at the base of the entire Antarctic food web.

‍What does “adventure” mean in a world facing climate collapse? Can surf be a form of activism?

‍Surfing connects us to the wildest parts of nature. It takes us to places few people go. But our films aim to go beyond sport — they carry environmental, social, and cultural meaning.On this expedition, surfing was the door to something bigger, just like it was in Península Mitre. Today, adventure needs purpose. If that purpose is to protect and raise awareness, then yes: surfing can absolutely be activism.

“Antarctica is the only place on Earth that belongs to all of us. That means it’s our shared responsibility to protect it.”

The trailer shows how extreme this journey was — the weather, the wildlife, the cold. What did it teach you about your own limits?

‍Antarctica challenged us more than any other expedition. We faced 90-knot winds, extreme cold, and nonstop physical demands, especially while surfing and filming in such conditions. But we also learned the value of patience, empathy, and shared purpose. The team was strong — professionally and emotionally — and that made all the difference.We realized that when you’re truly committed to something meaningful, your body and mind can go further. But we also had to be careful. In that kind of cold, the line between adventure and danger is thin.

Now that the film is finished, what did Antarctica reveal about the state of the planet?

‍Antarctica is a mirror of the climate crisis. We saw moss and grass growing in places where they never existed before. Glaciers retreating. Krill under pressure. Everything is changing. This continent is speaking, and it’s asking us to pay attention. It’s not just a remote place. It’s the planet’s thermometer. Its health reflects our own.

‍Any final message you’d like to leave to the readers?

‍Antarctica belongs to all of us, and so does its protection. We invite everyone to sign the petition. Hopefully this film helps people feel part of that mission. This isn’t just a Gauchos del Mar's cause. It’s a global one, affecting future generations, entire species, and the balance of life on Earth. If we can add more voices to the conversation, maybe we can protect something truly essential.

The film, which also features the voices of renowned conservationists Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier, is a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for an MPA to ensure the ecological balance of Antarctica and the survival of its extraordinary marine life. And as we often say at Background, it’s not just about enjoying nature. It’s also about taking care of it.

Watch the trailer for Antarctica here. More information about the expedition and the presentation tour in Argentina here.