Now in its 11th year in the UK, the Ocean Film Festival is a cinematic celebration of the planet’s oceans, starring mind-boggling marine creatures, thrilling watersports, and highlighting the profound impact of a lifestyle connected to the ocean. From September to November 2024, it will bring a thrilling new line-up of ocean short films to venues across the UK.

“The Ocean Film Festival Tour is a platform for storytelling that brings the beauty, challenges and importance of our oceans to audiences around the world,” says festival founder and CEO Jemima Robinson. “This year’s line-up is testament to the incredible adventures, talents and environmental messages that resonate with us all. We are thrilled to share these inspiring films and celebrate the magic of the ocean.”

This year, the Ocean Film Festival features a selection of short films starring wild seafaring voyages, extreme watersports and fascinating marine life up on the big screen.

Film highlights include Ice Maiden, a short film about adventurer Lisa Blair embarking on a voyage to become the first woman to sail solo, non- stop and unassisted around Antarctica. When unexpected and life-threatening weather conditions cause catastrophe, Lisa needs to dig into every ounce of courage, determination and self-belief to not only finish the journey, but survive in the most dangerous waters on the planet. An epic tale of perseverance, pushing limits and believing you can achieve something even when you don’t know how.

The Whale Song, on the other hand, delves into the enigmatic communication of humpback whales. Beyond their renowned songs lies a thrilling revelation – these majestic creatures ingeniously remix each other’s tunes, passing melodies around the world’s oceans. The Whale Song draws a parallel between the musical genius of DJ Sam Feldt and the whales’ haunting harmonies. As Sam transforms whale songs into chart-topping human beats, an extraordinary synergy between nature and art unfolds.

Tess Felix: Portrait of an Artist follows the journey of California-based artist Tess Felix who uses plastic debris to create mosaic portraits as a vibrant response to the perilous state of our oceans. Tess explores serious issues with imagination and humour, aiming to spark curiosity and imagination. Through the forgotten and unusual remnants of everyday life, Tess uses art to speak of the places, people and ocean that she loves.