40Fathoms Film Festival is a cinematic celebration of Earth's Oceans. Using the power of film & imagery, 40Fathoms Film Festival raises public awareness about issues facing the oceans today and provides people with the tools to make a difference.
The 40Fathoms Film Festival was conceived by the South African Shark Conservancy (SASC ) to celebrate World Oceans Day. It showcases underwater filmmaking talent and emphasizes marine conservation concerns and success stories on a regional and global scale.
World Oceans Day & the 40Fathoms Film Festival
The oceans cover about 70% of Earth’s surface. They generate 80% of the oxygen we breathe, provide bountiful food for billions of people and regulate our climate. Not only do the oceans give us the resources we need to survive on a daily basis, but they have also been a source of spiritual and cultural inspiration since the dawn of man. Despite our indisputable connection to the oceans, however, it is increasingly obvious these systems are under threat and humans are to blame.
World Oceans Day, celebrated each year on June 8th, is officially recognised by the United Nations as the day on which we can all demonstrate our solidarity for the conservation of our Blue Planet by taking action and making our voices heard. It is the day where we celebrate and honour the oceans as one. As part of our commitment to conserving the oceans, SASC will be making each and every World Oceans Day one of unique celebration and awareness-raising through a fun, educational and entertaining film festival with a difference: the 40Fathoms Film Festival.
40Fathoms Film Festival is not a commercial event. Rather, the festival aims to raise public awareness about issues facing the oceans today and provide them with the tools to make a tangible difference.