Dive into films that inspire

The wonders of the ocean are set to amaze Broome audiences when the Ocean Film Festival returns to the Kimberley.

The festival will begin its tour around Australia before heading around the world, stopping at Broome’s Sun Pictures on Saturday, February 29 for one night only.

Founded seven years ago on Sydney’s northern beaches, the Ocean Film Festival has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, with films seen more than 100 times across 10 countries.

Each year the festival screens more than two hours of inspirational, educational and entertaining films related to the ocean by independent filmmakers, both international and Australian.

The unique selection of films of varying lengths and styles covers topics such as the oceanic environment, marine creatures, ocean-related sports, coastal cultures, and ocean lovers.

Festival director Jemima Robinson said despite the event growing in its reach around the world, its first priority of sharing the beauty and power of the ocean remained the same.

Two of the featured films in this year’s festival are Australian flicks A Corner of the Earth and Scott Portelli: Swimming with Gentle Giants.

Produced by Spencer Frost,A Corner of the Earth is a cinematic exploration of surfing in the brutal northern winter.

The 25-minute-long film features pro-surfer Fraser Dovell, who throws himself out of his comfort zone alongside Frost and photographer Guy Williment to venture to a far corner of the earth in search of waves in the Arctic. Scott Portelli: Swimming with Gentle Giants is a nine-minute film produced by Stefan Andrews.

It features wildlife photographer Scott Portelli, who has devoted himself to documenting and capturing the behaviour of humpback whales in Tonga.

The film has both heart- racing moments and the affectionate nature of the wild and wonderful underwater creatures.