THE Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) is to screen two award-winning documentaries at the City Hall Theatre, offering rare glimpses of threatened coral reefs and spectacular ocean creatures.

The films are part of The Reef, a highly-acclaimed, three-part series. The Perfect Reef was inspired by the imminent disappearance of reefs around the world. It looks at forgotten shipwrecks, coral-encrusted caves, pristine islands and the heart of the coral reef. The Circle of Life examines reef inhabitants, providing an inspiring look at fish behaviour.

The films were produced by Anita and Guy Chaumette and assisted by prominent marine scientists and coral reef ecologists around the world including Ross Jones of the BIOS. Backed up by extensive research, the films were shot entirely in the wild.

"Coral reefs and rare, spectacular creatures are disappearing, before we even understand them," states the series overview. "The survival of this delicate realm is intricately bound with a new approach and fresh perception. Over four years in the making, (the series) features the very best of underwater cinematography and a truly innovative portrayal of marine life.

"Living 'on location' alongside the marine animals, the film-makers combine innovative filming techniques and angles with a ground-breaking knowledge of the marine life. Capturing rare and intimate footage, they reveal new and undocumented behaviour.

"With a passion to protect, celebrate and raise the world's awareness about the mesmerising creatures, they present the fish in an entirely new light, exposing their unique personalities, habits, abilities and true essence to the world."

The experience allowed a rare connection between the film-makers and the marine life.

"From the tiny animal that builds the coral reef, to the circle of life of the creatures that inhabit it. From exhilarating encounters and extraordinary relationships to fish communication and intelligence, The Reef introduces completely unique interaction between man and marine life. Stunning images of the highest quality open our eyes to an enchanting, endangered world.

"The award-winning film-makers concentrate on creatures ignored, unnoticed or simply too difficult to film. Conversing in 'real-time' whilst filming, they enable the viewer to truly experience the underwater realm, relate to the mystical animals and see them as they really are.

"Documenting spectacular adventure and breathtaking nature exploration, this internationally-acclaimed series is the coral reef as never seen before. Powerful personification of the marine life combines with dramatic storytelling. Provocatively extending all boundaries of traditional underwater film-making, this is an eye-opener, absolutely guaranteed to reach the hearts of all."

The films will screen at the City Hall Theatre on Tuesday, October 24 at 6 p.m. A discussion with film-makers Anita and Guy Chaumette and BIOS scientists will follow. Admission is $10 for BIOS members and $15 for non-members.

Interested persons are asked to reserve tickets by e-mail, vshortobbsr.edu or by telephone, 297-1880 extension 204.