Mount Unzen, 1991

"Even if I die tomorrow, I don't care," Maurice said in an interview, smiling at the camera.  Behind him, Mount Unzen is waiting to erupt. Joined by their volcanologist friend Harry Glicken, Katia and Maurice came to the mountain after reports of high activity. As many as twenty pyroclastic flows were reported before their arrival. However, they encountered a peaceful landscape that contradicted the reports. They stayed for hours, waiting for something to shoot. They talk, eat, and laugh until eventually, Maurice proposes to move to a closer vantage point. Katia is reluctant at first, but she follows; the two refuse to be separated. 

Composite volcanoes are highly unpredictable. Not long after the Kraffts and Glicken settled in their vantage point, the mountain spews out a dark and poisonous cloud ready to destroy anything in its way. Maurice, Katia, Glicken, and forty others lost their lives that day. 

Maurice and Katia Krafft died in the place that gave them life- the volcano. Their love for the science and sheer power of earth's miracles transcends through their captivating footage. They studied over 150 eruptions in twenty-five years of volcanology and filmmaking. We will continue to remember them and cherish the gift of knowledge they passed on to us. To me, they are a reminder that it is always better to do what you love with the person you love. 

We will part ways from the Kraffts by visiting one of their favorite locations- Hawaii.  Put on your headphones and immerse yourself in the cinematographic wonders the Kraffts documented for us. Join us as we dive into their world of volcanic love.