For the first time, the comprehensive history and analysis of the process of obtaining sea silk—a rare and exceptionally valuable material—has been documented on film.

According to available data, the raw material collected by Franciska Brili and crafted by Mihaela Martinac today constitutes the world’s largest known collection of sea silk. This collection transcends its material value—it represents a cultural heritage and a testament to the skill, tradition, and extraordinary rarity of this ancient textile.

The process of working with and documenting sea silk was highly demanding. Beyond technical challenges, the goal was to precisely capture the material’s visual and tactile uniqueness, including its golden reflection and delicate structure. The filming took place under special conditions, using specialized equipment capable of capturing the fabric’s microstructure. The lighting environment was carefully designed and fully controlled, with much of the filming conducted in near darkness to authentically document the visual identity of the material—its texture, color, reflection, and the dynamic qualities it inherently possesses.

This film documentation emerged from the desire to preserve and convey a complete story—tracing sea silk from its origins, its history, and the deeply personal narrative of one family, to its final transformation into a unique collection of creations that will outlive us. This is not merely a chronicle of its making but also a contribution to safeguarding knowledge and craftsmanship that has been lost multiple times throughout history.

To ensure the story is told with the dignity and emotion it deserves, a narrator was carefully chosen to guide the audience through the journey, offering a closing reflection and bringing coherence to the visual experience. Mihaela Martinac and Ivica were portrayed in their natural environment, in an authentic and unobtrusive manner, allowing their testimonies and personal accounts to be documented in their purest form.

At the same time, this film documentation serves as a reminder of the degradation of marine ecosystems and the importance of preserving natural resources. The presented creations invite deeper reflection on sustainability, heritage, and the beauty that has been shaped for centuries by the hands of the few who have mastered this rare and precious material.

Although numerous inaccuracies and myths have emerged over time regarding sea silk, this documentary record seeks to ensure that its authentic story is not lost but preserved for future generations.