UK audiences will once again be able to immerse themselves in the wonders of the ocean without getting their feet wet, as the Ocean Film Festival World Tour returns to theatres this autumn after last year’s highly acclaimed Tour. Originating in Australia, the programme will feature a brand new selection of the world’s most enthralling ocean-themed short films, showing in 30 towns and cities across the UK.
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases over two hours of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface. This year features an exceptional and diverse programme of films capturing the raw power and beauty of the Ocean, whilst celebrating the surfers, kayakers 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.
Inspiring and thought-provoking, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour is filled with incredible cinematography, touching interviews and insightful narrations that will captivate and mesmerise audiences. Featuring aweinspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences that have been captured from unbelievable vantage points, each of the festival’s films also convey a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home.
A selection of 2016 highlights include:
Kayaking the Aleutians
Labelled as one of the greatest, as yet undone, technical sea kayak expedition in the world, British explorers Justine Curgenven and Sarah Outen set out to paddle 2,500km along the Aleutian chain of islands in Alaska. Alone for 101 days and at the mercy of one of the windiest, roughest places on earth, the two women are swept away from land by unknown currents, pounded by rough seas and approached by bears. Experiencing an edge-of-your-seat journey, they gain a rare insight into themselves, the rich wildlife and this harsh yet beautiful landscape.
Photo credit: Sarah Outen and Justine Curgenven
With Curgenven named as one of the UK’s top living explorers and Outen awarded an MBE for services to rowing and conservation, these adventurers will need all of their strength and determination to survive the treacherous expedition.
The Accord
Being a surfer in Iceland is an experience unique from anywhere else in the world. The Icelandic landscape is at once breath-taking, but also harsh and unforgiving for the tiny surfing community that inhabit the island. Follow Heiðar Logi Elíasson, Iceland’s first and only professional surfer, on his journey through Iceland’s magnificent terrain depicting the turbulent relationship between an Icelandic surfer and the North Atlantic wind.
2016 UK Tour Dates are as follows:
2 September Brighton, Brighton Dome
5 September Isle of Wight, Shanklin Theatre
6 September Wimborne Minster, Tivoli Theatre
7 September Bath, Komedia
8 September Truro, Hall for Cornwall
9 September Exeter, Corn Exchange
10 September Abingdon, Abingdon School
13 September Newtownabbey, Theatre at the Mill
14 September Edinburgh, Festival Theatre
15 September Inverness, Eden Court
16 September Whitley Bay, Playhouse
17 September Penrith, Rheged Centre
20 September Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall
21 September Norwich, Lecture Theatre 1, University East Anglia
23 September Dorking, Dorking Halls
24 September Portsmouth, The Kings Theatre
29 September Leeds, Leeds Town Hall
30 September Harrogate, The Royal Hall
1 October Yarm, Princess Alexandra Auditorium
4 October Malvern, Malvern Theatres
5 October Birmingham, Crescent Theatre
6 October Llandudno, Venue Cymru
7 October Stafford, Stafford Gatehouse
7 October Porthcawl, The Grand Pavilion
8 October Stockport, Stockport Plaza
8 October Bristol, Victoria Rooms
10,11,12,13,14 London, Union Chapel
18 October Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn
22 October Glasgow, Glasgow University
24 October Poole, Lighthouse Theatre
Tickets are on sale now. To find out more about the festival, to view the trailer and to book tickets, visit www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk
