We are currently living in "the age of chaos" (Douglas Rushkoff — Children of Chaos 1997) where science and technology have streaked ahead of humanity's ability to process and deal with the change. In this age of chaos everyone's opinions and values are valid. There are no more solid boundaries or boxes to define meaning. There is only a constant cycle of change, renewal and adaptation, where individual experience provides the fountain of new knowledge and inspiration. To be able to give meaning and value to our perceptions of Antarctica in this time of rapid change there is a need to understand our interdependent relationship with our environment. This includes a co-evolution between nature and man made technology. "Breaking The Ice" is the story of three women from diverse cultural backgrounds who embark on a journey of exploration to find their understanding of "Gaia" in Antarctica. The role of the three women is to inspire and educate viewers to think differently about their perceptions of Antarctica and its role in the global ecosystem. The documentary will incorporate a humanitarian approach to interpreting our current knowledge of Antarctica, from which new perceptions of the value and significance of Antarctica will emerge. From their first impression of Antarctica we follow the women as they experience life in an extreme environment. What are their personal challenges? Can the knowledge of their cultures blend to enhance what is already scientifically known about Antarctica? Juxtaposed with their journey are images of an encroaching world. Antarctica is the Earth's geographical history book and these fragmented images provide a sense that a new chapter in the history of Antarctic exploration is being uTitten. The images will include archival footage of Scott's exploration of the region, Antarctica's many sovereign land claims, news items of the exploitation of natural resources and commercial images promoting the aesthetic appeal of Antarctica as a pristine wilderness. We are currently living in "the age of chaos" (Douglas Rushkoff — Children of Chaos 1997) where science and technology have streaked ahead of humanity's ability to process and deal with the change. In this age of chaos everyone's opinions and values are valid. There are no more solid boundaries or boxes to define meaning. There is only a constant cycle of change, renewal and adaptation, where individual experience provides the fountain of new knowledge and inspiration. To be able to give meaning and value to our perceptions of Antarctica in this time of rapid change there is a need to understand our interdependent relationship with our environment. This includes a co-evolution between nature and man made technology. "Breaking The Ice" is the story of three women from diverse cultural backgrounds who embark on a journey of exploration to find their understanding of "Gaia" in Antarctica. The role of the three women is to inspire and educate viewers to think differently about their perceptions of Antarctica and its role in the global ecosystem. The documentary will incorporate a humanitarian approach to interpreting our current knowledge of Antarctica, from which new perceptions of the value and significance of Antarctica will emerge. From their first impression of Antarctica we follow the women as they experience life in an extreme environment. What are their personal challenges? Can the knowledge of their cultures blend to enhance what is already scientifically known about Antarctica? Juxtaposed with their journey are images of an encroaching world. Antarctica is the Earth's geographical history book and these fragmented images provide a sense that a new chapter in the history of Antarctic exploration is being uTitten. The images will include archival footage of Scott's exploration of the region, Antarctica's many sovereign land claims, news items of the exploitation of natural resources and commercial images promoting the aesthetic appeal of Antarctica as a pristine wilderness.