The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is back in 2025, celebrating 12 incredible years of inspiring, educating, and protecting our oceans. This annual event, which has touched lives across 14 countries, will tour Australia starting in March, bringing the captivating beauty of the underwater world to audiences nationwide.
For over a decade, the Ocean Film Festival has been a global beacon for ocean lovers, showcasing the wonder and power of the sea through a curated selection of films from talented independent filmmakers worldwide. This year’s Australian tour promises to mesmerise audiences with a three-hour program of breathtaking visuals and compelling stories, offering a deep dive into the heart of our oceans and the lives of those who cherish them.
“This year, we are especially thrilled to showcase three incredible Australian films,” says Jemima Robinson, founder of the Ocean Film Festival World Tour. “It’s a fantastic accomplishment for Australian filmmakers to have their work celebrated alongside international stories.” The stunning “White Rock” highlights a bold conservation effort to save Australia’s Great Southern Reef by transforming the ecological crisis into sustainable solutions. The poetic and heartfelt “Goddess” offers an ode to the underwater world, inviting audiences to fall in love with the sea’s vibrant life. Meanwhile, “Astronaut in the Ocean” profiles bodyboarder Shane Ackerman, whose fearless pursuit of the waves embodies the pure joy of ocean passion.
These Australian stories join an inspiring selection from around the globe. Audiences will witness the transformative journey of Hawaiian photographer and surfer Mike Coots in “The Call”, discover how surfing brings empowerment and hope to Liberian youth in “We the Surfers”, follow a poignant Alaskan journey of human impact in “Footprints on Katmai”, and be mesmerised by the ethereal underwater ballet captured in “Aquaballet”.
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is more than just a film event; it’s a celebration of our planet’s blue heart. Through its stunning cinematography and powerful narratives, the festival aims to inspire a deeper connection with the ocean and encourage audiences to take action to protect this vital ecosystem.
Tickets for the 2025 Australian Tour are on sale now! Whether you’re a seasoned ocean enthusiast, a weekend surfer, or someone who marvels at the mysteries of the deep, this festival promises an unforgettable cinematic journey.
For tickets, venues, and the full tour schedule, visit www.oceanfilmfestivalworldtour.com.
Join us in celebrating 12 years of oceanic storytelling and be inspired to cherish, protect, and explore the big blue.
Film Descriptions:
THE CALL – HAWAII USA: 12 minutes
In the lush landscape of Kauai, Mike Coots discovers his calling through the ocean. A naturally gifted surfer and photographer, he captures the breathtaking world of Hawaiian surf culture with remarkable artistry. His photographs transform local surfing scenes into powerful visual stories, revealing the deep connection between humans and the sea.
A life-changing moment will challenge everything Mike knows, forcing him to reimagine his relationship with the ocean. “The Call” is an inspiring journey of transformation, showcasing how passion can evolve and overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
WE THE SURFERS – FRANCE: 38 mins
Set in the coastal towns of Liberia, an unexpected cultural exchange transforms lives through the universal language of surfing. A group of European surfers arrives with more than just boards—they bring hope, connection, and joy to a community hungry for opportunity and healing. By establishing a surf club and teaching local children and teenagers how to ride the waves, these visitors create more than just a recreational space—they build a lifeline of empowerment.
The documentary follows the remarkable stories of Liberian youth whose lives are dramatically changed by discovering surfing. What begins as a simple athletic pursuit becomes a profound journey of self-discovery, mental resilience, and community building. Through the rhythm of the waves, these young people find purpose, confidence, and a pathway to reimagine their futures, proving that sometimes the most powerful humanitarian aid is not just about survival, but about creating moments of pure, transformative joy.
WHITE ROCK – AUSTRALIA: 35 mins
In the azure waters of Australia's Great Southern Reef, a devastating ecological crisis unfolds as sea urchins decimate vital kelp forests. This gripping documentary follows passionate marine conservationists and divers who are fighting back against the invasive species, transforming an environmental threat into a sustainable solution.
Through stunning underwater cinematography, the film reveals how climate change is destroying marine ecosystems. The divers not only document the destruction but also offer hope by harvesting sea urchins and promoting them as a delicious culinary option, creating an innovative approach to marine conservation.
ASTRONAUT IN THE OCEAN – AUSTRALIA: 8 mins
Bodyboarding demands a pioneering spirit and fearless heart. Where surfing basks in fame and fortune, Shane Ackerman finds pure freedom riding the waves. A crane operator in the mines by day, Shane's true life unfolds in those moments when he crashes through ocean swells, proving that passion transcends financial reward. For him, work is merely a means to an end—a way to fund the moments of absolute liberation found on his bodyboard.
FOOTPRINTS ON KATMAI – ALASKA, USA: 22 mins
In a poignant journey of discovery, artist and filmmaker Max Romey follows the faded traces of his grandmother's sketchbooks to the wild, remote beaches of Katmai, Alaska. Joining a team of marine debris experts, Romey uncovers an unexpected narrative of human impact—revealing how people leave profound marks on this pristine landscape without ever physically setting foot on its shores.
AQUABALLET – FRANCE : 5 mins
Aquaballet is a mesmerising underwater performance where dancer Marianne Aventurier blends her deepest passions into a breathtaking artistic journey. Filmed in the crystal waters of French Polynesia alongside her partner, photographer Alex Voyer, the film is a poetic dance with marine life, transforming the ocean into a living stage. Accompanied by Stephane Lopez's haunting musical composition, Aventurier creates an ethereal performance that celebrates the beauty and grace of underwater creatures, turning her lifelong dream into a stunning visual poem.
GODDESS – AUSTRALIA: 8 mins
In this ethereal short film, a poetic love letter unfolds as a diver plunges deep beneath the waves. His voice, rich with wonder and tenderness, narrates an ode to his “love,” weaving a vivid tapestry of underwater life.
A celebration of nature's beauty and an invitation to fall in love with the world beneath the waves, Goddess is a poetic exploration of connection, reverence, and the profound bond between humanity and the sea.
Tour Dates & Locations:
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Canberra
Venue: National Film & Sound Archives, McCoy Circuit, Acton
- Tuesday, 4 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Wednesday, 5 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Thursday, 6 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
NEW SOUTH WALES
Avalon Beach
Venue: United Cinemas, 39 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach
- Friday, 14 March 2025: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Avoca Beach
Venue: Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, 69 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach
- Thursday, 13 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Brunswick Heads
Venue: Brunswick Picture House, 30 Fingal St, Brunswick Heads
- Thursday, 6 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Friday, 7 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Coffs Harbour
Venue: Jetty Memorial Theatre, 337 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour
- Saturday, 1 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Forster/Tuncurry
Venue: Great Lakes Cinema 3, 108 Manning Street, Tuncurry
- Friday, 14 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Newcastle Kotara
Venue: Event Cinemas, Westfield Kotara Rooftop, Cnr Northcott Dr & Park Ave, Kotara
- Wednesday, 5 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Sydney City
Venue: Event Cinemas, 505/525 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
- Wednesday, 19 March 2025: 6:15pm – 9:30pm (Allocated seating)
Sydney East
Venue: Randwick Ritz, 43 St Pauls St, Randwick
- Wednesday, 12 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Sydney North
Venue: Hayden Orpheum, 380 Military Rd, Cremorne
- Thursday, 6 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Friday, 7 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Wollongong
Venue: Uni Movies UOW, University Hall, Northfields Ave, Wollongong
- Thursday, 20 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Darwin
Venue: Deckchair Cinema, Jervois Rd, Darwin
- Tuesday, 17 June 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Wednesday, 18 June 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
QUEENSLAND
Brisbane
Venue: Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, New Farm
- Wednesday, 2 April 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Thursday, 3 April 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm ● Friday, 4 April 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm ● Saturday, 5 April 2025:
○ 2:00pm – 5:00pm
○ 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Cairns
Venue: Cairns Performing Arts Centre, 9-11 Florence St, Cairns City
- Saturday, 8 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Gold Coast
Venue: Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
- Tuesday, 18 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Noosa
Venue: The J, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads
- Wednesday, 12 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Thursday, 13 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Townsville
Venue: Townsville Civic Theatre, 41 Boundary St, South Townsville
- Thursday, 13 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Adelaide
Venue: The Capri Theatre, 141 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood
- Saturday, 22 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Victor Harbor
Venue: Victa Cinema, 37-41 Ocean St, Victor Harbor
- Saturday, 21 June 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
TASMANIA
Hobart
Venue: Wrest Point Casino, 410 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay
- Thursday, 27 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Launceston
Venue: Star Theatre, 217b Invermay Rd, Invermay
- Friday, 28 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
VICTORIA
Geelong
Venue: Village Cinemas, 194-200 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220
- Wednesday, 5 March 2025: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Melbourne Astor
Venue: Astor Theatre, 1 Chapel St, St Kilda
- Friday, 7 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Melbourne RMIT Capitol
Venue: RMIT Capitol, 113 Swanston St, Melbourne
- Thursday, 6 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Rosebud
Venue: Peninsula Cinemas, 30 Rosebud Parade, Rosebud
- Wednesday, 19 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Phillip Island
Venue: Berninneit Theatre, 91-97 Thompson Ave, Cowes
- Friday-Sunday, 11–13 July 2025: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Warrnambool
Venue: Capitol Cinema, 54 Kepler St, Warrnambool
- Thursday, 27 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Albany
Venue: Albany Entertainment Centre, 2 Toll Pl, Albany
- Friday, 21 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Broome
Venue: Sun Pictures, Carnarvon St, Broome
- Saturday, 15 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Bunbury
Venue: Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, 2 Blair St, Bunbury
- Wednesday, 19 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Geraldton
Venue: Queens Park Theatre, Cathedral Ave, Geraldton WA 6531
- Saturday, 8 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Margaret River
Venue: Margaret River HEART, 47 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River
- Thursday, 20 March 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Perth
Venue: State Theatre Centre of WA, 174-176 William St, Perth
- Wednesday, 2 April 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Thursday, 3 April 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm ● Friday, 4 April 2025: 7:00pm – 10:00pm ● Saturday, 5 April 2025:
○ 2:00pm – 5:00pm
○ 7:00pm – 10:00pm
