Paula Hammond - Features EditorDive into a night of thrilling ocean adventure! The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is bringing a new collection of captivating ocean-themed films to venues around the UK this autumn.
The Ocean Film Festival features a powerful and visually stunning line-up of short films that celebrate the ocean from every angle: above the surface, beneath the waves, and deep into the stories that connect us all to the sea.
“As we head into our 13th year, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour remains a celebration of the ocean in all its beauty, power and vulnerability,” says the UK tour director Nell Teasdale.
“Each film in the 2026 programme will offer something special, whether it’s extraordinary adventure, breathtaking marine life or people dedicating their lives to protecting the sea. We can’t wait to bring this year’s line-up to audiences around the UK.”
One of the standout films in the 2026 collection is The Raftsmen, an epic story of courage and endurance. Twelve unlikely adventurers from seven different countries come together to attempt a feat few would dare imagine – crossing the Pacific Ocean on three handmade wooden rafts, guided only by the sun and stars. Battling storms, starvation and the psychological toll of life at sea, their six-month journey remains the longest raft expedition ever completed. Now, 50 years later, the original 16mm footage has been restored into 4K, allowing modern audiences to witness the sheer scale of this once-in-a-lifetime ocean odyssey.
“It’s always incredible to see audiences come out year after year – not just to watch beautiful films, but to feel part of something bigger,” Nell continues.
“The ocean connects all of us, and this event is a chance to celebrate that connection on the big screen.”
Film highlights include:
THE RAFTSMEN – 43 minutes
In 1973, 12 adventurous misfits from seven countries embarked on a seemingly impossible mission – to cross the Pacific Ocean on three handmade wooden rafts. Battling storms, sharks and frayed nerves, the largely inexperienced crew headed out into the blue. Fifty years later, with previously unseen footage, the survivors of one of maritime history’s most astonishing adventures finally tell their story.
GRANNY GROMMETS – 9 minutes
There’s no age limit on enjoying the ocean, and this heartwarming short film proves just that! In surf lingo a ‘grommet’ is a young surfing newbie, but the Granny Grommets – some of whom are in their 80s – are reclaiming the word. Ignoring concerns of their worried offspring, this joyful group take to the waves every week.
TIDES OF LIFE – 16 minutes
Driven by a lifelong love of wildlife, charismatic entrepreneur Richard Tesore opens Uruguay’s first rescue and rehabilitation centre for marine mammals. Caring for injured penguins, sea lions, otters and more, this short film explores Richard’s unwavering mission to protect the fragile marine life along the shores of this tiny South American country and beyond.
For dates and tickets, visit www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk
