Innovative Film 'Coral in Focus' Premieres at UN Ocean Conference 2025

NICE, FRANCE — On June 16, 2025, Samsung Electronics unveiled its documentary "Coral in Focus" at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), a significant event marking World Oceans Day. The film, directed by award-winning filmmaker Quentin van den Bossche, highlights the critical issues surrounding coral reef restoration, illustrating the urgent need for action amid a global crisis that affects both marine biodiversity and human livelihoods.

The premiere took place at Ocean House during a panel discussion featuring marine science leaders, conservationists, and technology experts, aiming to showcase how innovative solutions can contribute to the preservation of coral ecosystems. This documentary is part of a broader initiative announced during the Galaxy Unpacked event in January 2025, where Samsung partnered with the nonprofit organization Seatrees to support coastal ecosystem restoration in Fiji, Indonesia, and the United States through the application of Galaxy technology.

"Coral in Focus" presents a stark portrayal of the ongoing threats to coral reefs, which are vital for the sustenance of over one billion people worldwide and host around 25% of marine life. As ocean temperatures reach alarming highs, over 80% of the world’s coral reefs have experienced mass bleaching, a phenomenon that jeopardizes biodiversity, food security, and coastal resilience. Long-term climate action is required to safeguard these ecosystems, while immediate restoration efforts backed by technology are crucial to help coral reefs adapt to rising temperatures.

In collaboration with Seatrees and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, Samsung has pioneered a specialized camera feature named Ocean Mode. This technology was developed to capture high-resolution underwater images and enable scientists and conservationists to monitor coral health effectively. Ocean Mode significantly enhances the quality of underwater photography by addressing the challenges posed by the blue and green hues typically found in aquatic environments, thereby providing a more accurate representation of coral conditions.

Over the past year, initiatives utilizing this technology have yielded remarkable results, including the creation of 17 3D models of coral reefs, which help analyze restoration impacts and validate the capabilities of Galaxy devices in scientific research. Seatrees project partners successfully planted over 14,046 coral fragments across 10,705 square meters of reef habitat.

The event not only focused on the film's screening but also included discussions on the interconnectedness of technology and marine conservation. "Ocean Mode became its own character in the documentary," said van den Bossche, emphasizing the visual and emotional impact of the technology in portraying the challenges faced by reef conservationists.

Panelists included Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees, who highlighted the importance of high-quality imaging in monitoring restoration efforts. Daniel Wangpraseurt, Ph.D., an associate research scientist at Scripps, noted the potential of mobile technology to bridge the gap between communities and distant ecosystems. Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability at Samsung Electronics America, reinforced the company's commitment to ocean health through innovative partnerships and responsible sourcing.

The conference also featured Samsung representatives participating in discussions about ocean literacy and the role of corals in biodiversity. This engagement underscores UNOC's mission to unite various stakeholders in promoting ocean conservation and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

Samsung’s collaboration with Seatrees reflects a broader commitment to ocean health, as the company has incorporated over 150 tonnes of recycled fishing nets into Galaxy devices since 2022. With the introduction of Ocean Mode, Samsung is redefining how mobile technology can contribute to climate action by enhancing research capabilities, raising awareness, and making the invisible challenges facing coral reefs visible to a global audience.

For more information about the initiative and to view the full documentary, visit the Samsung x Seatrees partnership landing page.