BAR HARBOR — Mermaids are a special kind of reality to film director Susan Rockefeller. To her, these mythical creatures represent mystery, hope and a connection between the world of humans and that of the ocean. Ms. Rockefeller’s latest film, “Mission of Mermaids: A love letter to the ocean,” reflects this connection. The film, both an ode to the ocean and a plea for its protection, will be screened on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. in College of the Atlantic’s Gates Community Center. A discussion with Susan and her husband, David Rockefeller, Jr., will follow.

“I need to believe in the existence of the mermaid because of what she stands for: Mystery, hope and a connection between the human world and the one of the ocean,” says Ms. Rockefeller. “Half human and half fish, as well as a cross-cultural symbol, she seemed the perfect medium to explore the interdependent nature of man and the sea.” It is Ms. Rockefeller’s hope that by connecting myth and science, “we could awaken to our connection to our waters. And by doing so, be inspired to protect what is precious – our ocean.”

By evoking the archetype of the mermaid, “Mission of Mermaids” honors the women and men who live from and for the seas – artists, activists, performers, divers, fishermen, and sailors – as well as those who have dreamed on beaches, reveled in the ocean’s waters, or nourished ourselves in her depths.

Ms. Rockefeller, an award-winning author and documentary filmmaker, has produced and/or directed the HBO documentary “Making the Crooked Straight,” which received a 2011 Christopher Award, “A Sea Change,” and “Striking a Chord,” which focused on post-traumatic stress disorder. She also designs message-inspired jewelry, available at www.susanrockefeller.com, and sits on the Global Leadership Council of the Natural Resources Defense Council, and on the board of Oceana, the largest international organization fully focused on ocean conservation.

For more information about the 5 p.m. screening of “Mission of Mermaids,” on Tuesday, Aug. 14, contact COA at 288-5015, or Kim Childs at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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