Where was Polar Opposites filmed? Primary filming locations explored

Polar Opposites premiered on January 11, 2025, on the Hallmark Channel, offering a romantic tale that combines emotional depth with breathtaking visuals.

The audience is captivated by the memorable performances of Rhiannon Fish as Emma and Markian Tarasiuk as Andy in the film. Free trials are available to new subscribers on platforms such as Philo, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and Frndly, allowing viewers to watch this Hallmark hit.

The story centers on Emma's unwavering determination to reunite with her father in Antarctica. She encounters obstacles along the way, such as missing the final boat to South America. Her resourcefulness directs her to a cruise ship, where she encounters Andy, the engineer.

The film's distinctive locations enhance the realism of Emma's adventure by enveloping viewers in the stark beauty of Antarctica, despite the fact that it is cleverly replicated in other regions.

The primary filming locations for Polar Opposites include Salvador, Brazil, and Ushuaia, Argentina. The production team recreated Antarctica’s icy landscapes in Ushuaia, providing an ideal substitute for the remote continent. Below, we explore these stunning filming sites in detail.

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Filming locations of Polar Opposites

A still from Polar Opposites (Image via Hallmark)

Salvador, Brazil

The movie's opening scenes and some concluding moments were filmed in Salvador, the capital of Brazil’s Bahia state. This vibrant city hosted many sequences showcasing South America as Emma’s starting point.

Scenes involving a superyacht were shot on a cruise ship stationed in Salvador. Additionally, parts of the ship's interior were recreated for filming, ensuring authenticity while portraying the luxury vessel that takes Emma closer to her father.

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Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, often referred to as the “End of the World,” served as the primary substitute for Antarctica. The Argentinian city’s proximity to ski areas and its rugged, snowy terrain made it an ideal filming site.

While filming, actor Dean McDermott, who portrays Ian in the film, shared a few updates on Instagram:

“So blessed to be spending my Birthday in Ushuaia, Argentina!! I’m only a stones throw away from Antarctica. Celebrating with old friends, new friends, and my beautiful girlfriend. I owe all of this to Recovery and being clean and sober. Life is Wonderful.”

Director Colin Theys maximized Ushuaia’s natural beauty to portray the harsh yet mesmerizing Antarctic environment. Maeve Quinlan, a cast member, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, calling the filming experience in Ushuaia:

"Shooting a heartwarming movie in Patagonia with these amazingly talented people was everything you could possibly imagine it to be … and then some!"

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Behind-the-scenes moments in Patagonia

While Ushuaia stood in for Antarctica, the Patagonian landscapes further added depth to the visuals. Dean McDermott, another cast member, shared his joy about filming in the region and celebrating his birthday in Ushuaia.

The crew also encountered penguins during their shoot, sharing lighthearted moments that added to the experience of filming in such unique locations.

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Plot details of Polar Opposites

Polar Opposites follows Emma, a young woman determined to reunite with her father stationed in Antarctica. After missing her boat in South America, she sneaks onto a cruise ship where she meets Andy, the charming engineer. As they navigate the long journey through icy waters, their relationship deepens.

The film intertwines themes of adventure, family, and romance, set against the striking backdrop of Antarctica, brought to life by the chosen filming locations.

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Production and direction of Polar Opposites

Polar Opposites, directed by Colin Theys, successfully integrates visually stunning locations with emotional storytelling. Their decision to film in South America underscores the production team's dedication to authenticity. In November 2024, the film was completed in a mere three weeks, and the crew expressed their profound appreciation for the flawless execution.

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Stay tuned for more news and updates on Polar Opposites and similar projects as the new year progresses.