Underwater film festival to showcase local filmakers

(CNS): Grand Cayman’s annual International Underwater Film Festival will take place on Thursday, 8 November when ocean-enthusiasts will gather for the once-a-year video celebration of the landscape, flora, fauna and experiences to be had under the sea. Held in conjunction with the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction ceremony, this festival will feature ISDHF inductee Leslie Leaney, director of the ISDHF Museum, and publisher of The Journal of Diving History. For the first time, the festival will also feature two short films from local videographers. The festival will be held at the Westin and film’s start at  730pm. The lineup is listed below.

Cayman Odyssea by Frans DeBacker
This is a short tribute to the rich underwater world of the Cayman Islands. The variety and abundance of marine life is breathtaking. Frans De Backer, originally from Belgium, now lives and works since recently relocating to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. His travels as a freelance cameraman brought him to the Island. Enchanted by the charm and beauty both above and below the surface, he decided to stay. Cayman Odyssea reflects his discovery and experience of the incredible aquatic world of Cayman. A wonderful but fragile environment we need to treasure and protect. Enjoy and dream away…

Sea Net 1944 From Cayman Islands International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame by Leslie Leaney
As the museum of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) expands its collection of historical diving artefacts, volunteers continue research into the origins of equipment development. Historical Diving Society member Sid Macken recently located a WWII era short film by the SEA NET company of Los Angeles showing some of the equipment from the museum. But probably the most interesting item from the company is not shown in the film clip, but is revealed after it concludes.

Raja by Howard & Michele Hall
(Howard & Michele Hall were inducted into the ISDHF in 2011, and due to a huge interest in their films, we have secured a 5-minute short film for our festival this year. Howard & Michele are well known for their underwater videography, including several IMAX films.)
Raja was made during Howard's and Michele's first expedition to Raja Ampat, Indonesia early this year. The images were captured with a RED Digital Cinema camera and music was composed by Shie Rozow. In January of next year, the Halls will return to Raja Ampat to begin production of an IMAX feature for the MacGillivray Freeman Film series, One World One Ocean.

Fragile Cayman by Michael Maes
Michael’s mission was to show viewers the beauty and versatility of the Cayman aquatic realm, educate them of its fragility and remind them of the "obligation" to protect this wonderful world for future generations. The footage of the silversides, tarpons and bar jacks is to show part of "the circle of life" and the ingenuity of species to (more or less) protect themselves against those attacks.

Guy Harvey's Ocean Explorations by Dr. Guy Harvey
From the cool waters of Nova Scotia to the Cayman Islands to the remote island of Cocos and 1000 feet below the surface, Dr. Guy Harvey presents an incredible adventure to discover the state of our oceans and the people who've dedicated their lives to the marine world. Unprecedented in scope and years in the making, you'll come face to face with giant bluefin tuna, massive tiger sharks and ethereal sailfish. With never before seen footage and new facts, it's a journey of discovery unlike anything you've seen.

Silent Auction and Lobster Lotto
The evening includes CITA’s annual silent auction and the larger-than-life ‘Lobster Lotto,’ where ‘every lobster’s a winner!’  Items have been kindly donated by CITA members and include diving packages, restaurant gift certificates, accommodation and much More! The International Underwater Film Festival is an annual fundraiser for CITA, and this year, funds raised will support marine conservation efforts through the Guy Harvey Research Institute as well as diver safety initiatives that are important to the watersports sector of CITA.

Underwater Photo Competition
The winners of the Underwater Photo Competition, which is graciously supported by Cathy Church's Photo Centre, Camana Bay, Cayman Islands Brewery and the Aggressor Fleet, will be announced right before intermission. The top three photos in each of the five categories (Cayman Wrecks, Turtles, Critters/Macro, Scenic, Creative) will be printed on canvas and displayed at the event for people to enjoy before the Film Festival and at Intermission. Prizes for each category will be awarded as follows:
1st place: $250 Camana Bay gift card, keg of White Tip Lager from CIB, photo printed on canvas by Cathy Church's Photo Centre (16” x 20”)
2nd place: $150 Camana Bay gift card, case of White Tip Lager from CIB, photo printed on canvas by Cathy Church's Photo Centre (11” x 14”)
3rd place: $100 Camana Bay gift card, photo printed on canvas by Cathy Church's Photo Centre (8” x 10”)
A ‘Best in Show’ designation (selected from the best photo in each category) will also be announced. The winning photographer will receive a trip for one (1) with the Aggressor Fleet to a select Caribbean destination.
Judges for the photo competition are Cathy Church, who is spear heading the judging panel, Elly Wray and Patrick Weir.
To purchase tickets on-line using a credit card, please complete the form at www.cita.ky/uff2012. The tickets will be waiting for you at the Will Call table at the Film Festival. We will 'SEA' you there!

DATE: Thursday, November 8, 2012
TIME: Cocktails (cash bar) & Silent Auction 6:30pm, Films 7:30pm
LOCATION: Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, Governor’s Ballrooms (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
COST: CI $25 (Tickets will be available at the CITA office, 1320 West Bay Road, Cathy Church’s Photo Centre, Divetech, Don Fosters Dive and Red Sail Sports office) or by completing the form at www.cita.ky/uff2012  (credit card purchases only).

Every year, the Film Festival line up shows a diverse mix of underwater videography, films and documentaries. For the first time, the festival will feature two short films from local videographers in addition to pieces by world renowned IMAX film maker Howard Hall, ISDHF inductee Leslie Leaney and marine biologist Dr. Guy Harvey.