The International Ocean Film Tour, Europe’s most significant ocean festival, is making its way to Santa Cruz de Tenerife with a unique Canarian touch. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, the festival will take place on Sunday, 14th July, at 6:00 p.m. at the Guimerá Theater, featuring five documentary shorts from four continents.
This edition is characterised by passion and excitement, showcasing first-hand stories produced in South Africa, Austria, the United States, and Cuba. It will take viewers on a journey to the most untamed seas and extreme landscapes on the planet, where protagonists give their all in the most challenging environments, all while aiming to protect the oceans and their inhabitants. The festival advocates for the sustainable and respectful enjoyment of the oceans, highlighting the magnificence that lies both above and below the surface.
Santa Cruz Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, invites the public to “enjoy this festival as an opportunity to delve into the wonders of sea life and understand the importance of defending and preserving it, through captivating first-person narratives.”
Councilor for Culture, Santiago Díaz Mejías, explains that “this festival aims to raise awareness, promote, and educate on the importance of defending, protecting, and conserving our oceans.” He adds, “The event will showcase high-quality audiovisual pieces that will spark contemplation and transform the theatre space, for one night, into a cinema.”
The 2024 International Ocean Film Tour presents the 42-time world champion, Bjørn Dunkerbeck, who will introduce the Canary Islands to Europe through his short film “Born to windsurf,” narrating his life and professional journey, always intertwined with the island of Gran Canaria and a surfboard.
This year, the festival will follow the champion and his family in their latest endeavour: attempting to surpass 100 km/h in the Lüderitz Speed Challenge in Namibia. Bjørn’s film, chosen from hundreds of submissions worldwide, promises to take audiences on a thrilling adventure through a realm of sports, adrenaline, and impact, igniting excitement among the audience in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as in over 16 cities in Spain, including Malaga, Alicante, Valencia, Barcelona, Santander, San Sebastian, Gijon, Madrid, Seville, Cadiz, Palma de Mallorca, and Menorca. It will also be featured in 270 events across 18 countries in Europe.
“Havana Libre”, “The return to Antarctica”, “Ice Mermaid”, and “Older than Tres” complete the powerful line-up of this edition, presented in its original language with Spanish subtitles and simultaneous sign language translation to ensure inclusivity and a global viewing experience. Those interested can secure their tickets on the Teatro Guimerá website: www.teatroguimera.es.
