Semersuaq– The Great Ice – A High Arctic Field Expeditions Documentary

The Arctic is not just a distant, icy wilderness—it is a critical barometer of global climate health. As part of the groundbreaking NEOARCTIC project, the largest polar research initiative ever funded in Spain, researchers are working to reconstruct climate variability and glacial oscillations in West Greenland over the past four millennia. However, while the scientific importance of polar research is undeniable, the human side of this work often remains hidden.

To bridge this gap, Sermersuaq, a documentary as part of the outreach initiative led by former AXA Postdoctoral Fellow Marc Oliva from University of Barcelona, follows the NEOARCTIC project, offering a rare and intimate look at the human and scientific dimensions of climate change in the Arctic. It takes viewers on an extraordinary journey to one of the most remote and fragile regions of the planet—Qaanaaq, Northern Greenland, far above the Polar Circle. The project seeks to elevate awareness of the Arctic's critical role in the global climate system, cultivate empathy by showcasing the human impact of climate change, and drive action by emphasizing the interplay of science, tradition, and resilience.

Sermersuaq brings this reality to life by intertwining the stories of Michael Jensen, an Inuit hunter, and Professor Marc Oliva, both are united by a shared mission: to preserve Greenland’s great ice sheet, the Sermersuaq, and protect the future of our planet. Directed by the renowed filmmaker Patrizia Bruno, this documentary uniquely blends the lived experiences of Inuit communities with cutting-edge climate research, offering unprecedented access to Qaanaaq’s traditions and the NEOARCTIC scientific project, while celebrating resilience and amplifying unheard voices to highlight the Arctic’s global significance and the urgent need for collective climate action

The documentary has achieved remarkable success, with screenings at over 10 international film festivals and multiple awards celebrating its compelling storytelling. More than just a documentary, Sermersuaq serves as a powerful call to action.  This documentary, that was also showcased at UNOC 2025 in Nice, not only educates but also inspires, urging audiences to view the Arctic not as a distant frontier, but as an essential and interconnected part of our shared home.

Explore their insightful documentary through the AXA Research Fund Youtube channel:

Sermersuaq - Scientists, Inuits and Climate Change in the Greenlands