This autumn, the annual Ocean Film Festival tours venues in the British Isles, sharing some of the most extraordinary independent films about our oceans from around the world
Words Amy McPherson
What is it like to dance with marine creatures? How can surfing change lives? How does a cold-water swimming movement start? These are some of the scenes set to greet us at the Ocean Film Festival, an annual programme of sea-themed independent films which tours the world every year.
Celebrating work that may otherwise remain unseen by a global audience, the festival covers remote and wild parts of the world, to see incredible landscapes and seascapes, and to learn how other cultures interact with the ocean – it also shares stories from closer to home, covering the seas of the British Isles.
The festival began in Australia in 2012 with the aim of inspiring more people to love, respect and protect the ocean. A new collection of short films was curated, which featured everything from wild seafaring adventures to mind-blowing marine life. Since its conception, the festival has become a worldwide event, and 2025 marks the 12th year of its visit to the UK, which is supported by the Marine Conservation Society, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and the National Oceanography Centre.
PASSION FOR OUR OCEANS
Previous festivals have featured films made in the UK and Ireland, including the well-received Bluetits, screened during the 2023 tour – a heartwarming story of how the Bluetits community grew from just a small group of friends who would go wild swimming together, to a worldwide movement with more than 100,000 participants.
‘That was one of my favourite UK films,’ says Rosie Fuller, UK Tour Manager for the festival. ‘Although this year we don’t have any British films, I’m really excited about 2025’s line-up and I know that the British public will love it, as they are so passionate about the ocean and their coastline.
‘To me, the sea is our respite, our happy place, our escape,’ Rosie says, ‘and the British public feel that too.’
Of the films selected for the UK tour of the festival, one of Rosie’s favourites is Astronaut in the Ocean, a film about bodyboarder Shane Ackerman, whose passion for his sport goes beyond status and recognition. Despite the lack of support for bodyboarding – Shane is often mocked for his hobby – he finds himself out there shredding enormous waves purely for the love of it. ‘It’s a heartwarming film for anyone who loves an underdog,’ explains Rosie.
The films often feature a connection between the sea and personal lives. Another of this year’s highlights is We the Surfers, a short film about a project that brings surfing to impoverished coastal towns in Liberia, west Africa, where the creation of a surf club has inspired the local community to seek positive change and new opportunities. It explores the idea that humanitarian aid isn’t just about survival, but also about creating moments of transformative joy.
DANCING WITH THE SEA
Those who seek the beauty and grace of the ocean are sure to find Aquaballet particularly moving. Freediver Marianne Aventurier’s aquatic performance turns the ocean into a living stage, a softly choreographed ballet paying tribute to marine life through an underwater dance with a beautiful soundtrack.
Prior to its screening, each documentary is introduced by a compère, to give more information about its making and the people it features. Attending the festival feels like a coming-together of the ocean-loving community, to celebrate the wonders of our planet’s blue heart.
‘About 75% of our shows last year sold out, so we’ve added four more dates for 2025 to keep up with demand,’ says Rosie. She adds: ‘I can’t wait for new audiences to see the show and be inspired by these mesmerising films.’
The Ocean Film Festival is taking place at various venues in towns and cities in England, Wales and Scotland during September, October and November this year. These will include a number of coastal locations, such as Brighton, Christchurch, Ilfracombe, Llandudno, Poole, Portsmouth, Swansea and Whitley Bay.
For more information about the dates and locations of the tour, and to book tickets, go to oceanfilmfestival.co.uk.
