The new documentary Reef Builders, directed by Stephen Shearman and co-produced by actress and environmental activist Auli’i Cravalho, shines a powerful spotlight on one of the world’s largest coral reef restoration programs. Backed by Mars Sustainable Solutions MSS, the film chronicles a 15-year-long global effort to rebuild marine ecosystems through collaboration between scientists, NGOs, and coastal communities.
Opening with the now iconic HOPE Reef in Indonesia, Reef Builders follows the MSS team, led by Professor David Smith, as they scale their restoration model across four key coral reef sites worldwide. With over 1.2 million corals planted, more than 90,000 specially designed „reef stars“ deployed, and 200 local reef builders trained, the project exemplifies the power of community-based environmental action. Amid dire scientific forecasts—such as a potential 90% loss of tropical coral reefs by 2043—the film offers not despair, but optimism. It’s a visually striking and emotionally resonant story of resilience, innovation, and global cooperation. Reef Builders is a call to action and a reminder that hope is a renewable resource. The film is available to stream on Amazon Prime.