Mastery of the Sea

A celebration of the sea and the military might of Great Britain, Mastery of the Sea is a prototypical example of Allied war propaganda. In his footage of submarines, ships, and planes, Cavalcanti shows us the technology of the fighting spirit. The commentary and meticulous work with music and silence celebrate Britain’s control of the seas, which it aims not only to retain, but to strengthen. The film was produced by Ealing Studios, which Cavalcanti joined after leaving the General Post Office and where he was in charge of documentary film production. (Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival)