Watch PUMPING a Film by Joel Tauber

In his documentary film PUMPING, director Joel Tauber explores the life and work of Michael Kosta, a man who spent years designing and building a machine with the intention of generating energy from the motion of ocean waves. Kosta's invention, called the Wave Pump, was a technological marvel that promised to revolutionize the way we produce and consume energy.

Tauber's film follows Kosta's journey as he works tirelessly to perfect his creation, facing numerous setbacks and challenges along the way. We see him testing different iterations of the machine in various bodies of water, from small ponds to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the film, Kosta comes across as a passionate inventor who truly believes in the potential of his invention to change the world.

In addition to focusing on Kosta's work, PUMPING also delves into his personal life, exploring his relationships with his wife and daughter, both of whom are supportive but understandably concerned about the toll that his obsession with the Wave Pump is taking on him. We see Kosta struggling to balance his familial obligations with his commitment to his invention, and it's clear that the two often come into conflict.

One of the strengths of Tauber's film is the way it captures the sense of scale and awe-inspiring power of the ocean. From shots of crashing waves to serene moments of stillness on the water, the film effectively conveys the beauty and majesty of the natural world. At the same time, it also highlights the incredible difficulty of harnessing that power in a way that can be effectively utilized by humans.

Another notable aspect of PUMPING is the way it explores the relationship between technology and the environment. While Kosta's invention has the potential to generate clean energy from a renewable source, it's clear that the process of developing and testing the machine has its own environmental impact. We see Kosta and his team dredging up the ocean floor to place the Wave Pump in deeper water, and we witness the ecological damage caused by these activities.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of PUMPING, however, is the portrait it paints of Michael Kosta himself. The film does an excellent job of humanizing him, portraying him not just as a brilliant inventor but as a flawed, complicated individual. We see his frustrations and disappointments as well as his moments of triumph and elation. By the end of the film, we feel like we've gotten to know Kosta on a personal level, which makes his eventual fate all the more poignant.

Overall, PUMPING is a well-crafted and thought-provoking documentary that explores a fascinating subject in detail. Whether you're interested in the intersection of technology and the environment or simply admire the ingenuity of inventors and tinkerers, this film is sure to captivate and engage you. Tauber's film is a testament to the power of human creativity and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries to come from unlikely sources.