Glacier's Death Inspires New Film of Love & Loss

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sara Dosa's latest work, "Time and Water," emerges from a profound contemplation of climate change. The film was conceived after Dosa read Andri Snær Magnason's poignant piece, "How Do You Say Goodbye to a Glacier?" This existential question about unfathomable loss during the climate crisis became the catalyst for Dosa's exploration.

"Time and Water" centers on Magnason, his life, and his relationship with his grandparents, serving as a "love letter to Iceland and to glaciers." Dosa describes the film as a "multi-dimensional collage," intricately pieced together from extensive archival materials spanning Magnason's family history, national archives, and original footage shot in Iceland.

Collaborating with National Geographic, which also backed Dosa's "Fire of Love," the production embraced an experimental process. Producer Shane Boris highlighted the film's "pancake sci-fi" aesthetic—a science fiction grounded in intimate, familial settings. This approach aims to foster a more caring and human connection to the future, envisioning it through the lens of loved ones rather than abstract concepts.

The production involved a unique collaboration between filmmakers and commissioners. Carolyn Bernstein, exec VP of documentary films at National Geographic, emphasized the importance of understanding the "spirit of the note" beyond literal feedback. This trust allowed the creative process to unfold as a journey of discovery, ensuring the film's final form respected its core vision and the reality of its subjects.