The BANFF events are always spectacular things to see, and something we’ve featured regularly in our magazine. Sadly, because of the pandemic, they weren’t able to get out on the road last year but did share two different Ocean Film Festival programmes on their virtual platform instead – which you can still see here Encore Channel.
The great news is, they’re heading back out later this year, and will be in Wales in the autumn. Films showing in the 2021 theatre tour will be a different collection of brand-new films – the full line-up will be announced soon.
You get to dive into a night of mesmerising ocean adventure! The Ocean Film Festival World Tour has some of the world’s most incredible ocean films!
Brought to you by the team behind the Banff Mountain Film Festival UK & Ireland Tour, this carefully curated selection of short films combines epic human endeavour and astounding marine life in a spectacular cinematic celebration of our oceans.
Meet surfers, paddlers, divers and oceanographers who have dedicated their lives to answering the call of the ocean in the wildest corners of the planet. Witness incredible seafaring voyages, captivating footage from both above and below the surface, and the chance to dip your toes into the wonders of the big blue – from the comfort of a theatre seat!
As we said, the programme is yet to be confirmed, but here’s a couple of our particular favourites films from their collection.
THE ACCORD
The Icelandic landscape is breath-taking but also harsh and unforgiving for the tiny surfing community that inhabits the island. Follow Heiðar Logi Elíasson, Iceland’s first and only professional surfer, on his journey through Iceland’s magnificent terrain, depicting the turbulent relationship between an Icelandic surfer and the North Atlantic wind.
KAYAKING THE ALEUTIANS
British explorers Justine Curgenven and Sarah Outen set out to paddle the Aleutian chain of islands in Alaska. Alone for 101 days and at the mercy of one of the windiest, roughest places on earth, the duo are swept away from land by unknown currents, pounded by rough seas and approached by bears. On this epic journey, they gain a rare insight into themselves, the rich wildlife and this harsh yet beautiful landscape.
SURFER DAN
Sun, sea and sand typically come to mind when you think about surfing, but this is not your typical surf film. Landlocked ocean-lover Dan Schetter lives on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan where, in winter, strong winds across the water create deadly currents, icebergs and… waves. Known for being the crazy guy with an icy beard who catches waves in January, this is Dan’s story.
The OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL gets to the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl on Thursday 23rd September starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are between £13 and £14.50, and we can tell you they are going fast. For more details go here GRAND.
They then get to Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Friday 19th November, again at 7:30pm. Tickets are between £14.50 and £16, and to get yours, go here VENUE.