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, 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

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

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

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:

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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’