International Ocean Film Tour comes to Brussels on 27 March

Enjoy an evening of adventure, action, ocean life as the International Ocean Film Tour rolls into Belgium from 25 to 27 March.

On the programme for the 10th edition are the latest and best feature and short movies inspired by a deep love and respect for the sea. The five films being screened are set to captivate audiences with their portrayal of ocean-loving individuals around the world.

Born to Windsurf (Austria 2023, 25 mins) follows champion Bjørn Dunkerbeck as he chases the world speed record in Namibia at the age of 51. An additional challenge is that he is competing against his son Liam.

Captain Peter Hammarstedt and his Sea Shepherd team (pictured) are committed to raising awareness about how extensive overfishing of krill is disrupting the south pole’s delicate ecosystem. The Return to Antarctica (Sea Shepherd Global 2023, 20 mins) recounts their journey as they attempt to shed light on the problem.

It’s a popular pastime on beaches across the globe, but in Cuba, surfing is illegal. Discover shadow surf culture in this fascinating and contradictory country in Havava Libre (US/Cub 2021 37 mins, pictured main image). It films Fank and Yaya over a number of years as they campaign for their sport to be legitimised.

Seattle swimmer Melissa Kegler is determined to swim more than 2km in freezing cold water to set a new American record. Ice Mermaid (US 2022, 25 mins) follows her record-breaking attempt; particularly arduous in water below 5°C, without a wetsuit and without a conventionally athletic physique.

Marine biologist James Lea has researched sharks over 20 years, witnessing a sharp decline in their population due to large-scale hunting. Older than Trees (South Africa 2023, 17 mins) traces his work to reverse the trend by looking into which areas of the ocean should be awarded marine protection, known as Hope Spots.

International Ocean Film Tour 

25 March, 20.00 Ghent Sphinx Cinema (sold out)
26 March, 19.30 Antwerp Zuidpershuis (sold out)
27 March, 19.30 Brussels Espace Lumen

Photos: OCEAN24 Havana Libre, Loaded(c)Marco Bava; The Return To Antartica Sea Shepherd; Ice Mermaid Mirror Lake, Dan McComb. Sorry! Our prize giveaway has now closed and the winners have been notified.