A film festival’s world tour arrives in Porthcawl this week.

The Ocean Film Festival world tour is traveling the UK this autumn.

On Thursday, it arrives in Porthcawl with a brand new collection of the world’s most inspirational ocean-themed films, from below and above the surface.

What is the Ocean Film Festival?

Returning as a live theatre tour, the Ocean Film Festival features a selection of short films starring wild seafaring voyages, extreme watersports and marine conservation from the least explored depths of the planet.

“We can’t wait to set sail back into theatres with our latest inspirational collection of ocean films,” says tour director Nell Teasdale.

“Witness intrepid human-powered challenges, mind-boggling marine life and incredible ocean cinematography, without getting your feet wet.”

The Ocean Film Festival originated in Australia, with the aim of inspiring people to explore, respect, enjoy and protect the oceans.

As well as mesmerising films, each screening will see a free prize giveaway to win ocean-related goodies.

None of the films on the live tour were shown in the Ocean Film Festival’s virtual events over lockdown.

“We’re so excited to share our latest collection of films and to bring together ocean-loving communities around the UK,” adds Nell. “So dive into a night of ocean adventure – up on the big screen.”

The Ocean Film Festival works with two fantastic charity partners: the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage.

When is it coming to Porthcawl? How can I get tickets?

The Ocean Film Festival will be at Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion on Thursday, September 23 at 7.30pm.

You can get tickets for the event here.

Later this autumn the tour will also be visiting Llandudno, Exeter, Weymouth, Birmingham, and London, among other destinations.

What to expect, what's on

A full list of the films on show can be seen here.

Some of the highlights include From Kurils with Love. The film follows a Russian marine biologist as he stowas away on a boat, trying to reach the volcanic Kuril Islands, between Russia and Japan.

The film gives an intimate journey to one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, and even features some sea lion chaos.

Another high point is Changing Tides.

With giant icebergs, abundant wildlife and serious arm-power, university friends Lucy and Mathilde tackle an ambitious kayaking trip along the Inside Passage, down the coast of Alaska and Canada.

With all of their 500 meals stored in paper, Changing Tides joins the duo on a journey of adventure, challenge, friendship and a deep love of the world’s oceans.