Designed to mesmerise and enthral, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases a 3 hour celebration of our oceans comprised of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface.

This unique collection of short films from around the globe documents 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.

The films feature captivating cinematography, complete with awe-inspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences that have been captured from unbelievable vantage points.

Inspiring and thought-provoking, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour is filled with moving footage, touching interviews and insightful narrations. Each of the festival’s films conveys a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home.

Find out more at www.oceanfilmfestival.com.au

Photo credit: Andre Rerekura from Terra Australis freediver Anoushka Freedman

TICKETS & VENUE INFO

  If you experience any difficulties booking tickets, please contact our Box Office Team on 1300 661 272 – Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10am to 4pm.

  ACCESSIBILITY For accessible bookings please contact our Box Office Team on 1300 661 272.

 The safety of our patrons, staff, and community remains our priority, and we’re working hard to ensure your safety while visiting BREC.

  We continue to encourage online bookings and contactless payments at the bar.

ICE MAIDEN

62 minutes
Australia
Filmmaker: Jackson Speed

“Ice Maiden” immerses viewers in the audacious quest of Australian solo-sailor Lisa Blair, determined to rewrite history by becoming the first woman to circumnavigate Antarctica solo, non-stop, and unassisted. Challenging both her limits and nature’s fury, Lisa’s confidence is tested as unforeseen perils threaten her journey. In a gripping tale of resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of a singular goal, “Ice Maiden” invites audiences to experience the unforgiving Southern Ocean through Blair’s eyes. As she battles treacherous seas and unexpected obstacles, the film unfolds as a thrilling cinematic adventure, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats, questioning the boundaries of human achievement.

THE WHALE SONG

25 minutes
Netherlands
Filmmaker: Marco Verhagen

Dive deep into the mysterious melodies of “The Whale Song,” a captivating documentary that unlocks the enigmatic communication of humpback whales. Beyond their renowned songs lies a thrilling revelation – these majestic creatures ingeniously remix each other’s tunes, creating global hits beneath the ocean waves. Narrated by the esteemed marine biologist Nan Hauser, the film draws an electrifying parallel between the musical genius of DJ Sam Feldt and the whales’ haunting harmonies. As Feldt transforms whale songs into chart-topping human beats, an extraordinary synergy between nature and art unfolds. Hauser’s riveting personal encounter with a benevolent whale adds a touch of suspense, echoing the deep connection between humans and marine life. “The Whale Song” is not merely a documentary; it’s a sensory and emotional journey with visually stunning cinematography, compelling storytelling, and a harmonious blend of music and nature, making it a standout in the world of short documentaries.

TWO KINDS OF WATER

22 minutes
UK
Filmmaker: Dan McDougall

“Two Kinds of Water ” plunges audiences into the heart of Senegal’s Guet Ndar fishing community, where lives intertwine with the unpredictable rhythms of the ocean. This documentary ventures into the 5,500km coastline of West Africa, home to diverse and perilous fishing grounds sustaining eight million lives. In a country named ‘our boat,’ skills are passed down through generations, but climate change, overfishing, and territorial disputes cast ominous shadows. The film unveils the resilient spirit of a fisherman and his wife, bravely confronting deadly threats to secure their family’s future in a vulnerable community. With deeply poetic voices and lyrical journeys, “Two Kinds of Water ” immerses viewers in the frontline of the climate crisis, capturing the suspenseful existence of fishermen whose lives teeter on the edge with every departure from the shore. This cinematic journey encapsulates the struggle for survival in one of Africa’s most perilous fishing communities, evoking emotions that resonate with the pulse of the ocean and the challenges it presents.

THE SANCTUARY

7 minutes
Australia
Filmmaker: Tim Brown & Michael Portway

Embark on an exhilarating underwater adventure with Ray Lewis, OAM, as he dives into the vibrant marine sanctuary he passionately safeguards. Picture crystal clear shallow waters teeming with life, sandstone reefs hiding secrets, mysterious sea caves, and captivating rock pools – welcome to the aquatic wonderland of Ricketts Point in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. With every snorkel, Ray unveils the extraordinary world he has dedicated his efforts to preserve. Get ready for a thrilling plunge into the depths, where each ripple tells a tale of marine magic, and every encounter with sea creatures becomes a heart-pounding discovery. Join Ray as he unravels the mysteries of this underwater haven, turning Ricketts Point into a pulsating hotspot of aquatic excitement and ecological marvels.

TESS FELIX: PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST

8 minutes
USA
Filmmaker: Cynthia Abbott

Dive into the transformative world of Tess Felix, where plastic debris evolves into vibrant portraits that echo a narrative of oceans in crisis. In her latest series, ‘Ocean Eco Heroes,’ Felix immortalises activists dedicated to curbing the relentless surge of plastic waste. Each composition is meticulously crafted over extended periods, mirroring the gradual degradation of our marine havens under the ceaseless assault of plastic bottles, trinkets, and miscellaneous fragments. Step into Felix’s artistic realm, where her creations serve as poignant reflections of the daily devastation inflicted upon our oceans, urging us to confront the urgent need for change.

RAW

4 minutes
Tahiti
Filmmaker: Tim McKenna, surfers Gilbert Teave and Tahurai Henry

Embark on a mesmerising journey deep within the jungles of French Polynesia, capturing the essence of the world’s most exquisite wave. Accomplished photographer and filmmaker Tim McKenna shadows local surfing icons Gilbert Teave and Tahurai Henry through an extraordinary day in the heart of nature’s masterpiece.
“RAW – The Sound of Teahupo’o” is not just another film about Tahiti’s legendary wave; it stands as a testament to pure aesthetic and sonic exploration. Honoured as the “best short film” in numerous festivals, this cinematic marvel immerses audiences in the captivating spectacle of Teahupo’o without the distraction of music or unnecessary chatter. Experience the raw beauty and power of mother nature in its unfiltered, awe-inspiring glory.