UK audiences will 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 a highly successful first Tour in 2014. The festival, which originates in Australia, will feature a brand new selection of the world’s most captivating ocean-themed short films and will be shown in 24 towns and cities across the UK.

Designed to mesmerise and enthral, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour 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 big wave surfing 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 2015 highlights include:

Devocean

South African born Bruno spent the majority of his life in or on the water. However in 1998 a tragic event left him a paraplegic. In an instant he plunged from carefree surf guide, sailor, scuba diver and traveller to the depths of despair.

A chance wave and the restorative powers of the ocean showed Bruno a new path in life, one that would be rich, full, diverse and salty. Devocean is an inspirational story of life’s lessons as taught by the sea.

Oceanminded

Oceanminded follows champion freediver Hanli Prinsloo along the coast of South Africa and Mozambique. Her underwater journey takes her into the realm of the ocean’s most feared predator – the shark. The often feared creatures are portrayed in a very different light, one of beauty and respect. It´s an adventure full of risks and passions – on one breath!

A Small Surfer

Known as the Flying Squirrel, Quincy Symonds may well be the best six-year-old surfer and skater on the planet. The Queenslander only started surfing about 18 months ago and, in a very short time, has captured the attention of the surfing world, gained multiple sponsors and garnered a fanatical following on social media. Prepare to be gobsmacked!
2015 UK Tour Dates are as follows:

  • 2 September Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn
  • 3 September Dorking, Dorking Halls
  • 4 September Truro, Hall for Cornwall
  • 6 September Plymouth, Mount Edgcumbe
  • 9 September Llandudno, Venue Cymru
  • 10 September Bath, Komedia
  • 11 September Exeter, Corn Exchange
  • 12 September Salisbury, City Hall
  • 14 September Brighton, Brighton Dome (Corn Exchange)
  • 15 September Bristol, Victoria Rooms (Bristol University)
  • 16 September Poole, The Lighthouse
  • 17 September Birmingham, Crescent Theatre
  • 18 September Stockport, Stockport Plaza
  • 19 September Porthcawl, Grand Pavilion
  • 22 September Portsmouth, Kings Theatre
  • 23 September Leeds, The Carriageworks
  • 25 September Whitley Bay, Playhouse
  • 26 September Edinburgh, Festival Theatre
  • 2 October Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall (Cambridge University)
  • 3 October Yarm, Princess Alexandra Auditorium
  • 6 October Abingdon, Amey Theatre
  • 8,9,10 October London, Union Chapel
  • 17 October Norwich, Lecture Theatre 1 University of East Anglia
  • 24 October Rheged, Rheged Centre
  • 27 October Malvern, Malvern Theatres

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