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The International Ocean Film Festival is Coming to the UK

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ocean film festival UK logo

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 theatres for the first time this autumn. The festival, which originates in Australia, will feature a selection of the world’s most captivating ocean-themed short films and will be shown in 17 towns and cities across the UK.

Designed to mesmerise and enthral, 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.

Project Aware Logo

Project AWARE, one of the Ocean Film Festival UK Tour environmental partners, has a shared positive vision for the future of 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.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the Ocean Film Festival Australia earlier this year so we’re really excited to have another opportunity to be a conservation partner of this awe-inspiring film festival.” says Domino Albert, Project AWARE Manager and New Media Specialist. “We encourage all divers and ocean lovers to book a ticket now. Let the Ocean Film Festival UK Tour inspire you to further explore, respect, enjoy and protect our ocean.”

Heart-stopping shots of surfers riding wild waves and jawsome 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.

A selection of 2014 highlights include:

And Then We Swam

From the film - And Then We Swam 1

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.

 

Duct tape surfing

Paraplegic goes surfing

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.

 

Sportlife Saga: Water

From the film - Sportlife Saga © Julie Gautier (683x1024)

Follow world champion free-diver Guillaume Néry deep below the water’s surface as he transforms the sport of freediving 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. (Image © Julie Gautier)

 

2014 UK Tour Dates are as follows:

  • 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

The 2014 International Ocean Film Festival UK Tour will donate 25 pence from every ticket sold to Project AWARE.

Here’s a trailer for the Festival:

[youtube id=”DN-8Rs9-TJo” width=”100%” height=”400px”]

For Tickets and information, go to www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk. You can ‘like’ the Festival’s Facebook page here and follow the Festival on Twitter here.

 

Main photo taken from the film ‘The Giant and the Fisherman’

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

regulator

Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulator

Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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