Every single meter biting through the solid ice of East Antarctica is a tough challenge for the polar research icebreaker Polarstern. In this almost surreal world of Antarctica and the rough waves of the Southern Ocean the international group of scientists investigates if the world’s strongest ocean current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, is moving southwards due to global warming. Because if it is moving southwards, it brings warm water to the coast of East Antarctica and can cause the melting of its massive glaciers and with this a global sea level rise of up to 52 meters. Key of this scientific work is the craft, expertise and experience of the ship’s crew. Without them, no scientific research would be possible in these extreme conditions. As being a part of the voyage, filmmaker Ines Reinisch provides an understanding of what an expedition really takes: a high level of personal commitment, patience, courage, sacrifice and a strong awareness of the global responsibility that lies with the ship's crew and the scientific community.
