A documentary film is in the works about Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

Tandem Stills + Motion, based in Los Angeles, is using a cinematic approach to tell the story of Midway, its historic role in World War II and its current status as a national wildlife refuge. Filmmaker Ian Shive spent 14 days at Midway earlier this year, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the area. Lugging 280 pounds of equipment around the 2.4-square-mile atoll, he captured both above- and underwater footage of its rarely seen natural wonders and wildlife.

Expect underwater scenes with vibrant corals, curious Hawaiian monk seals and a swarm of spinner dolphins.

Shive said he was enraptured by “the stunning beauty” of the wildlife refuge. “I’ve photographed in 40 countries, been to all 50 states and I have never seen that color blue,” he said.

The film also explores the last remaining historic structures from the Battle of Midway, the 75th anniversary of which is next year. The impacts of climate change and marine debris are addressed as well, but Shive said his goal is not to preach, but to inform and inspire.

“If you’re inspired by it,” he said, “then you will, naturally, I feel, progress toward playing a role to steward it.”

“Midway: Edge of Tomorrow” is due out in early 2017. A short preview will be screened at the 75th commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack in December. Visit tandem.film/news.