By DIVE Staff
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is bringing a new collection of the world’s best ocean-themed films to venues around the UK this autumn.
From big wave surfing to tiger shark conservation, the Ocean Film Festival is a cinematic celebration of the planet’s oceans, with inspirational short films from above and beneath the waves.
‘We’re so excited to be bringing this brand-new collection of captivating films to ocean-loving audiences around the UK – and we guarantee you’ll be inspired to have an ocean adventure of your own too,’ said tour director Nell Teasdale. ‘Dive into a night of wild seafaring voyages and astounding marine life – without getting your feet wet!’
The Ocean Film Festival originated in Australia, with the aim of inspiring people to explore, respect, enjoy and protect the oceans. As well as captivating films, each screening will see a free prize giveaway to win ocean-related goodies. The UK tour works with two fantastic charity partners: the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage.
Check out the trailer at the end of the previews below – to find out more about the Ocean Film Festival, including locations and tickets, visit www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk.
CIRCUMNAVIGATE
Father of three Brendon Prince, from South Devon, attempts to become the first person ever to stand-up paddleboard around mainland Britain – a challenge that many have tried, but none have achieved. Circumnavigate joins Brendan on his gruelling journey around Britain’s spectacular and often treacherous coastline, in an attempt to break five world records and raise awareness for water safety education.
MAR
Portugal’s exposed northwest coast produces powerful and challenging waves, which makes for a life and death moment for big wave surfer Alex Botelho during a surf competition. Mar is a tale of discovery, triumph and (almost) tragedy, but above all it’s a life-affirming celebration of surfing its original form – with exciting camera angles and stunning big-wave riding sequences guaranteed.
TIGER SHARK KING
More than 20 years ago, conservationist and diver Jim Abernethy discovered the ‘affectionate’ side of large predatory sharks after removing a fishing hook from the jaws of a tiger shark. Since then he has removed thousands of hooks from sharks in the warm, clear waters off the Bahamas and has brought divers to safely encounter these apex predators with the goal of de-stigmatising sharks as mindless killers.
I AM OCEAN
I am Ocean showcases the inspirational story of Australian diver, oceanographer and underwater photographer PT Hirschfield, who’s successful 11-year battle with cancer has been fuelled by her passion for scuba diving, a deep connection with the underwater world, and a mission to save the heavily persecuted wildlife at her local dive sites.
REBIRTH
In Rebirth we meet Benoit, a surfer from the Basque country, fighting for his love of riding waves after a freak accident. Through deep perseverance and an upbeat spirit, the challenge to adapt develops Benoit both physically and mentally. His journey pushes him to relearn and find freedom from surfing once again, while inspiring new possibilities for the adaptive surf community.
EYRE & SEA
At the remote Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, vast desert spills into roaring ocean and weather is king. It’s a pristine environment supporting a unique array of wildlife, including the endangered Australian sea lion. Here, in a town with a population of three, lives Alan. In a life shaped around the natural world, an unlikely relationship with a colony of seals has fundamentally changed him.
IF YOU GIVE A BEACH A BOTTLE
Max Romey is a filmmaker and painter who uses a unique blend of watercolours and videography to tell stories. Inspired by a picture book, Max heads to a remote beach in Alaska in search of marine debris – and comes back with an entirely different story to the one he was expecting.
