Renowned for its captivating storytelling and unparalleled commitment to exploring the wonders of our planet, National Geographic has long been at the forefront of documentary filmmaking that both informs and inspires. From deep-sea mysteries to cinematic milestones, it brings stories to life that ignite curiosity and spark conversation across the globe. Staying true to its legacy of powerful storytelling, National Geographic now pays tribute to one of the most iconic films of all time. This summer, in tribute to the movie that sparked a lasting fascination with the ocean’s most misunderstood predator, National Geographic goes behind the scenes of the legendary blockbuster with JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau (known for Faye, music by John Williams), the 90-minute documentary takes viewers on the ultimate deep dive, from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to the cinematic phenomenon that is “Jaws” and how the film continues to ripple through pop culture, cinema, and shark conservation to this day. JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story premieres on National Geographic on 20 July at 10 PM.
This definitive account offers an unfiltered look at the chaos and creativity behind the making of “Jaws,” featuring never-before-seen footage from Spielberg’s and Benchley’s personal archives, including home videos and rare outtakes. Through candid new reflections, Spielberg recounts the high-stakes production, from battling a malfunctioning mechanical shark and relentless weather delays to his own post-production PTSD and fears the film would end his career. The documentary also reexamines the infamous “Jaws effect”—the wave of shark fear it unleashed—and reframes it as a legacy of awe, curiosity and enduring respect for the ocean’s top predator. Complemented by brand-new interviews with cast, crew, filmmakers and shark advocates, JAWS @ 50 captures the full creative and cultural shockwaves of the first summer blockbuster.
JAWS @ 50 hails from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, in partnership with Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling, and is this summer’s only authorized documentary on the making of “Jaws,” with the award-winning director himself diving back into the story that launched his career and earned him final cut on the film, a creative control he has maintained for the last 50 years.
Spielberg said, “If someone had told me 50 years ago that we would be celebrating this anniversary, I would have thought they were as crazy as the making of ‘Jaws’ was making me, but here we are, half a century later.” He went on to pay tribute to the local community, saying, “I was so lucky that so many of the parts, the roles, in the film were played by islanders, were played by locals, who gave ‘Jaws’ an authenticity that remains one of my favorite things about the entire film … ‘Jaws’ and the Vineyard are forever linked in the best possible way.”
Spielberg also said, “This documentary, directed by Laurent Bouzereau, is the most honest telling of the making of ‘Jaws,’ starting with how excited I was to be chosen in the first place to get to direct a film based on Peter Benchley’s blockbuster book, but it also details how young and unprepared all of us were for the challenges of shooting in the Atlantic Ocean with a mechanical shark that was more temperamental than any movie star I have ever worked with since, and how in the wake of running over schedule and budget, I truly believed that ‘Jaws’ would be the last movie I would ever be given to direct.”
Alok Jain, President – Entertainment, JioStar added, “Jaws isn’t just a film—it’s a global phenomenon that has captivated audiences for 50 years. As National Geographic premieres this special commemorative documentary, we celebrate not just the legacy of the film but the powerful connection it continues to foster across generations and cultures. In India especially, Jaws has inspired a passionate fan base, and this documentary offers a unique opportunity for longtime admirers to revisit its impact—and for new audiences to discover why it remains one of the most iconic films of all time.”
JAWS @ 50 is more than a behind-the-scenes doc; it’s a celebration of a legacy that fueled a global shark obsession and inspired generations of scientists, storytellers, and ocean defenders. Through thoughtful conversations with leading marine advocates and scientists—including Philippe Cousteau, Candace Fields, Austin Gallagher, Gibbs Kuguru, Dr. John Mandelman (New England Aquarium), National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry, Dr. Greg Skomal and others—the documentary explores how “Jaws” reshaped our relationship with the ocean and helped transform public perception of sharks, turning fear into fascination and sparking real-world conservation efforts that continue today.
The film revisits the movie’s legacy and examines how it shaped popular culture, filmmaking, and our fascination with what lies beneath the surface. JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY premieres on National Geographic on July 20 at 10 PM.
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