Mighty Indeed – 2026 Update

It’s been incredible to watch the journey of Mighty Indeed and the impact and success it continues to have. Director Vanessa Wells first travelled to Scott Base in 2018 as part of Antarctica New Zealand’s Community Engagement Programme, where we were proud to support her on the ice (you can read about that here). What began as a storytelling opportunity in one of the most remote environments on Earth has since grown into a powerful, award-winning documentary that is now reaching audiences across New Zealand through RNZ.

Mighty Indeed directed by Earth Sea Sky supporter, Vanessa Wells follows three generations of women scientists studying Antarctic sea ice, weaving together cutting-edge research with deeply human stories. Featuring Dr Natalie Robinson, Jacqui Stuart, and Professor Pat Langhorne, the film captures not only the science behind a changing climate, but the lived experience of working in extreme conditions, the collaboration across four generations, and the personal motivations driving this work. It’s this balance of science and storytelling that makes the film so compelling and accessible to a wider audience – now available to be streamed for free on RNZ to all New Zealanders.

The project has also received significant recognition, winning Best New Zealand Feature and Best Director at Doc Edge, an Academy Awards qualifying festival. But beyond awards, its real success lies in its ability to connect people to Antarctica in a meaningful way, bringing a remote and often abstract topic into focus through real people, real experiences, and real stakes.

Vanessa’s work extends well beyond a single film. Her time on the ice has inspired a broader body of storytelling, including a children’s play that toured New Zealand primary schools, a short documentary that now plays at the International Antarctic Centre, and even a piece created for Sesame Street. Together, these outputs reflect a clear intent to make Antarctic science more accessible, engaging, and relevant to different audiences, from young learners through to policy-aware viewers.

What makes Mighty Indeed particularly important right now is its timing. As climate change continues to shape global conversations, the film offers both urgency and clarity. It highlights the critical role Antarctica plays in the Earth’s climate system, while also humanising the science behind it. Rather than presenting data in isolation, it shows the dedication, curiosity, and resilience of the people working to understand what’s changing and why it matters.

For us, this story resonates deeply. Not only because of our connection to Antarctica and our support of the project from its early days, but because it reflects something we strongly believe in, that the right stories, told well, can shift understanding and inspire action. Mighty Indeed is a powerful example of that in action. Be sure to watch Mighty Indeed at RNZ – found here.