The Avatar Dive Mask – a full-face mask designed for the underwater actors in James Cameron’s Avatar 2: Way of the Water, has won ‘Best in Class’ in the 2023 Good Design Awards.
In the movie, the mask part of the fictional ‘Expopack’ a ‘lightweight atmosphere filtration system developed from civilian rebreather technology that allows humans to survive on Pandora (the planet where the movie takes place) with a minimum amount of equipment.’ according to the movie’s Fandom Wiki Page.
The project to create the mask, designed and built in Australia, was a collaboration between special effects and prop company Wētā Workshop, which spearheaded the conceptual design, and Design + Industry (D+I), one of Australia’s leading product design and development consultancies which managed the design and build process alongside technical diving expert, John Garvin.
In Awarding the title to the Avatar Dive Mask, the competition jury said: ‘The Avatar 2: Dive Mask + Life Support Systems makes strides in both the film and diving industry. Through safety and communication features, the mask keeps users safe while aiding in a more efficient underwater filming experience. The technologically-advanced nature of this mask has contributed to the incredible cinematic experience offered by Avatar 2. The Jury commends the design team for developing a world-class piece of equipment that will set the benchmark for design excellence in this category.’
There is no indication as to if or when the mask might become commercially available for use by scuba divers.
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