Jaws: the secrets of a cult film is a documentary directed by Laurent Bouzereau, to mark the 50ᵉ anniversary of the release of Jaws. Airing on July 11 on Disney+, then on July 13 on National Geographic, this official program takes a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Steven Spielberg's masterpiece, from the adaptation of Peter Benchley's novel to the lasting impact on cinema and marine ecology. Featuring personal archival footage, never-before-seen excerpts and new interviews with Steven Spielberg, the documentary blends insights from renowned filmmakers, recollections from the original crew and expert analysis to explore in depth the film that redefined Hollywood.
Jaws: Secrets of a Cult Film will be broadcast on Disney+ from July 11, 2025, then on National Geographic on July 13 at 6:20 pm.
The trailer for Jaws: The Secrets of a Cult Film gives a striking glimpse of the archive footage, never-before-seen interviews and restored extracts that make up this documentary event. Steven Spielberg appears in full confidence, surrounded by major filmmakers and witnesses to the making of the film, to retrace the adventure of Jaws, fifty years after its initial release.
Synopsis: Jaws: Secrets of a Cult Film is the official documentary celebrating the film that redefined Hollywood, 50 years after its U.S. release. Alongside Steven Spielberg, Jaws: Secrets of a Cult Film traces the extraordinary journey from Peter Benchley's best-selling novel to one of the most iconic films of all time. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with renowned Hollywood directors, leading shark scientists and conservationists, this documentary reveals the tumultuous behind-the-scenes story of the making of the film and shows how it launched the era of summer blockbusters, inspired a new generation of filmmakers and contributed to shark conservation, a commitment that continues to this day.
Produced by Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, in partnership with Wendy Benchley, this official documentary is the only one to benefit from direct access to the personal archives of Steven Spielberg and Peter Benchley. The film includes exclusive new interviews with Spielberg, in which the filmmaker looks back in detail at the technical difficulties, the extreme conditions of the shoot and the pressure felt prior to release. Viewers will discover never-before-seen home movies, alternate takes, and testimonials from the film's crew, including Joe Alves, Carl Gottlieb, Lorraine Gary, Jeffrey Kramer, Jeffrey Voorhees and Ian Shaw.
This documentary is aimed at film buffs, archive enthusiasts and anyone interested in the cultural and environmental impact of cinema. Like Susan Lacy's Room 237 for Shining or Spielberg, this project combines personal accounts, analysis and rare documents. It also highlights the unexpected consequences of the film on the global perception of sharks, in dialogue with the testimonies of scientists such as Philippe Cousteau, Gibbs Kuguru, Brian Skerry and Greg Skomal.
Many filmmakers pay tribute to Jaws, including J.J. Abrams, Guillermo del Toro, Jordan Peele, George Lucas, James Cameron, Emily Blunt, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Soderbergh, Greg Nicotero and Cameron Crowe. They all talk about the major influence Spielberg's film has had on their careers. The work also looks at the literary origins of the novel, with Peter Benchley 's family - his wife Wendy, their children Tracy and Clayton, and his brother Nat - providing unique insights into the novel and the context in which it was written.
Jaws: The Secrets of a Cult Film is an event documentary by Laurent Bouzereau, produced by Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films. Broadcast on Disney+ and then on National Geographic, it retraces the legendary making of Steven Spielberg's film through never-before-seen archives and first-hand accounts. The program explores the cinematic, ecological and cultural legacy of Jaws, a veritable social phenomenon that has become a global reference for filmmakers and ocean conservationists alike.
This article is based on information available online; we have not yet viewed the film or series mentioned.
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