UK audiences will be able to immerse themselves in the wonders of the ocean without getting their feet wet as the International Ocean Film Festival hits the UK for the first time this Autumn. The festival, which originates in Australia, will feature a selection of captivating ocean- themed short films and will be shown in 17 towns and cities across the UK.

The International Ocean Film Festival showcases more than two hours of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface. The films document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who chase the crests of waves; and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue.

Heart-stopping shots of surfers riding wild waves and adrenalin-inducing scenes of divers swimming with white sharks will leave audiences on the edges of their seats. The films also encourage viewers to dive head first into ocean culture as the festival is filled with touching interviews and insightful narrations from the characters whose lives are inspired by the ocean.

Each of the festival’s films conveys a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home. A selection of 2014 highlights include:

And Then We Swam
Duct tape surfing
Sportlife Saga: Water
In May 2010, two British friends set off to row across the Indian Ocean in a second hand boat.
Having zero rowing experience, they signed up for an organised race – only to find that a lack of
entrants meant that there would be no support boat. After 116 grueling days at sea, the duo was
within 8km of the finishing line when disaster struck. An incredible story of adventure, foolhardiness
and survival.
Eighteen years ago, a car accident left Pascale Honore paralysed from the waist down. Fascinated by
the ocean, Pascale dreamed of being able to surf. With the help of a roll of duct tape and with the
support of her sons’ friend Tyron Swan, a big wave surfer and professional diver, Pascale’s dream
eventually became a reality. Share in her joy.
Follow world champion free-diver Guillaume Néry deep below the water’s surface as he transforms
the sport of free-diving into an art. Now a world-record holder, Guillaume reaches depths of more
than 100m and can stay below the surface for more than seven minutes at a time. His forays into the
big blue will leave you breathless

2014 UK Tour Dates are as follows:
For Tickets and information, go to www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk

Dates:
4 September   Truro, Hall for Cornwall
6 September   Porthcawl, Grand Pavilion
13 September   Whitley Bay, Playhouse
16 September   London, Conway Hall
17 September   London, Conway Hall
19 September   Brighton, Brighton Dome (Corn Exchange)
20 September   Llandudno, Venue Cymru (The Hall)
23 September   Portsmouth, Kings Theatre
24 September   Leeds, The Carriageworks
25 September   Edinburgh, The Queen’s Hall
27 September   Inverness, Eden Court (Empire Theatre)
1 October   Exeter, Corn Exchange
2 October   Bath, The Komedia
3 October   Poole, The Lighthouse
11 October   Bristol, Victoria Rooms (Bristol University)
17 October   Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall (Cambridge University)
28 October   Malvern, Forum Theatre
30 October   Birmingham, Crescent Theatre