Valera Sakhnenko

“The Tiny Wonders of Anilao” takes you into the hidden, magical world beneath the surface—where tiny creatures, many smaller than a grain of rice, dazzle with color, behavior, and mystery. From rare nudibranchs to camouflaged critters, the rich macro life of Anilao is not only beautiful but also vital to the health of the entire ocean. By showing their fragile beauty, this film is a quiet call to protect marine life—because when the small things disappear, the big things soon follow.

Director Biography – Valera Sakhnenko

Valera is an adventurous Canadian passionate about underwater filmmaking. Through his Diver’s Lens YouTube channel, he showcases the planet’s most majestic, peaceful, and beautiful underwater places. Driven by a deep love for the sea, Valera hopes his work inspires viewers to care for and protect our fragile underwater ecosystems.

Hendrik Sebastian Schmitt

Rumor has it that some fishermen in Indonesia have a very special relationship with giants of the sea. A team of underwater filmmakers and photographers steps off the beaten path and take their cameras on a journey deep into an almost unknown region in Indonesia to discover a newly discovered whale shark population.

They get up close and personal with the animals underwater, and tell a rare story of peaceful coexistence between humans and sharks – a story that we can take something away from.

Director Biography – Hendrik Sebastian Schmitt

The Jetlagged are award-winning underwater, nature and wildlife filmmakers and passionate for the protection of our ocean. While Hendrik enjoys combining his professional education as director and filmmaker with his passion for the ocean, Claudia builds on her background in media production and quickly developed into an avid underwater videographer, one of the few females in the industry.

The Jetlagged create powerful films about the underwater world from the polar circle to the equator. Confronted with the vulnerability of the ocean and eye witness to the problems our ocean is facing, they decided to become ambassadors of the underwater world. They use their cameras and skills not only to create beautiful films about their diving adventures, but also to focus on documentary films about environmental issues like pollution, climate crisis, overfishing and species extinctions – and on the ocean heroes who are dedicated to the ocean’s protection.

Over the years, The Jetlagged’s films have reached countless thrilled audiences, both online on social media platforms and on film festivals in many different countries, where all of their films have been able to win international film festival awards.

ELENA DEL MAR

“The Robottina, searching for the peace of the silence”, by Elena Del Mar Productions.

“The noise had disappeared. And down there, in the depths of the sea, the peace of silence was singing a new melody in my heart”.
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A Little Robot dreams of the peace of silence, but wakes up in the midst of the city’s noise. Through a frantic run, it finally reaches the depths of the sea, where the peace of silence begins to play a new melody in its heart.
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The film tells the story of a Little Robot searching for the peace of silence in a world dominated by noise. After a frantic run to escape the chaos of the city, it discovers in the depths of the sea a new form of freedom. Through underwater dance – a new form of athletic, artistic, and spiritual expression – the Little Robot surrenders to the silence of Ocean, finally able to truly feel itself and the magic of all things. But peace doesn’t last: a new threat soon emerges in this newly discovered world – the presence of plastic waste in the ocean.
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The film was shot in Gran Canaria and required intense training for the protagonist and her team, a necessary sacrifice in service of protecting the beauty of our beloved ocean.
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Technical details: what you will see is an artistic, athletic and spiritual performance. It is still an experimental dance and we strongly suggest not to imitate it.
Elena Del Mar’s underwater dance is realized between 10 and 15 metres underwater for a period of 1.30/2.00 minutes per session, with the help and supervision of two assistant freedivers, using only the lung and breathing abilities of the underwater dancer, without auxiliary oxygen.
The aquatic scenes have no choreography or techniques of terrestrial dance; they are the result of the dancer’s spontaneous movements in connection with the Ocean.
Movements have not been sped up or slowed down, the rhythm is totally natural and original.
This particular dance is the purest form of meditation Elena has ever experienced.
Not all things can be explained.
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WARNING: The video was made by expert freedivers. Do not imitate without the assistance of professional freedivers.

Director Biography – ELENA DEL MAR

Ph.D. in Environmental Law (La Sapienza, Roma), she became a Professor at the ULPGC (Gran Canaria) in 2024.
An idealist and lover of nature and the Ocean, she has written and published monographs and legal articles on climate change, human rights and renewable energy, the defence of marine biodiversity and underwater heritage.
She became one of the pioneers of underwater dance, practising it not only as an athletic and artistic form but also as a spiritual one, given her long experience in meditation and yoga.
In 2023 she released her first underwater short movie, “From Pain to Beauty”, which went on to win more than 20 international awards.
Her films speak of the healing of the soul, the magnificence of the Ocean, and the urgent environmental issues that affect marine life.
Assisted by a team of experienced photographers, underwater videographers, freedivers and colourists, she has produced the following movies since November 2023:
1- From Pain to Beauty (23.11.2023) -Short movie
2- Dancing in the Abysses (29.02.2024) -Short movie
3- The Robottina, searching for the peace of the silence (13.07.2024) -Short movie
4- Elogio a la Diversidad (2025) – Supported by the Canary Islands Government in the Agenda 2030 projects (Canarias 2030) -Long movie

Shazaad Kasmani

The Coral Reef Cleaning Station, a captivating short film by underwater filmmaker Shazaad Kasmani, delves into the essential role of cleaning stations in coral reef ecosystems.
Through stunning underwater footage, viewers witness the colorful cleaner fish attending to their fellow reef inhabitants, removing parasites and dead skin. The film highlights the symbiotic relationship between cleaner fish and their clients, showcasing moments of peaceful rejuvenation and occasional drama. VIP clients, including moray eels and top reef predators, receive personalized attention, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in maintaining a healthy reef.
With its breathtaking visuals and informative narration, The Coral Reef Cleaning Station leaves viewers inspired to cherish and protect these underwater wonders.

Director Biography – Shazaad Kasmani

Shazaad Kasmani is a dedicated filmmaker and visual storyteller specializing in underwater and wildlife cinematography. With a profound passion for the natural world and a keen eye for detail, Shazaad creates immersive films that showcase the beauty and wonder of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Born and raised in Kenya, Shazaad’s upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth. This appreciation shines through in his work, where he skillfully captures the mesmerizing beauty of underwater landscapes and the captivating behavior of wildlife.

Shazaad’s journey into the world of filmmaking began with a fascination for the ocean and its inhabitants. As a child, he spent countless hours exploring underwater environments, later honing his skills as a cinematographer and photographer. His commitment to excellence and his unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him recognition as a rising talent in the field of nature filmmaking.

As a filmmaker, Shazaad is known for his ability to capture unique imagery that transports audiences to another world. Whether swimming alongside majestic marine creatures or observing elusive wildlife in their natural habitats, his films offer a window into the wonders of the natural world.

With a growing body of work that continues to inspire and educate audiences, Shazaad Kasmani is poised to make a significant impact in the world of underwater and nature filmmaking. His films serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our planet’s precious ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
Ratings 

Afroza Hossain Sara

A fisherman’s desperate search for fish is interrupted by the mournful call of a mother whale. Her grief awakens a ritual from the depths — a symphony of sea creatures in mourning. When silence returns, the fisherman survives, but nothing remains the same.

Director Biography – Afroza Hossain Sara

Based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Afroza Hossain Sara is an emerging writer-director known for her innovative fusion of Bengali folklore with the sensibilities of magical realism. With a strong academic foundation in Drawing and Painting, she emphasizes honest expression in her creative work while embracing evolving technologies to bring her stories to life.

After completing her 12-minute animated short film Song of Whales, she is currently working on her debut feature film Song of Jhinuk, which gained national and international attention by winning the West Meets East Screenplay Lab in 2023 [Dhaka International Film Festival]. In September 2023, she had the honor of presenting both of her films to the Honorable President of France during a cultural meetup held as part of his visit to Bangladesh as a selected representative of the Bangladeshi animation film industry by the Embassy of France in Bangladesh and Alliance Française de Dhaka.

Suhas Shyamsundar

Of Water and Wonder follows the quiet journey of a young woman who escapes the chaos of the city in search of something more. Her spirit is yearning for a connection she is yet to discover. Drawn to the ocean, she begins to scuba dive—immersing herself in the silence, color, and movement of a world under the waves. The ocean holds her, and welcomes her into a world she has never seen before. Through her eyes, we witness the subtle transformation from disconnection to awe, from anxiety to peace. In the beauty of the ocean, she finds not only nature—but herself.

Of Water and Wonder is about the meditative experience, wonder, and the healing power of water, showcased through immersive footage and beautiful underwater sequences.

This film is produced by the Ocean Blue Collective and is shot by a team of scuba divers, ocean lovers, and underwater cinematographers.

Director Biography – Suhas Shyamsundar

Suhas is a scuba diver and underwater cinematographer based out of Bangalore, India. He is the founder of the Ocean Blue Collective which focuses on inspiring people to connect with and care about the ocean. The Ocean Blue collective does this via underwater films, story telling, photography, experiential travel, and an online shop.

Suhas is a self taught underwater videographer, dive master, and has a deep love and passion for story telling, and all things ocean.

Gonçalo Ornelas Gomes

Ocean’s Whisper is a video project that explores the sensory, emotional, and symbolic relationship between humans and the sea. The work proposes an immersive audiovisual experience, where the presence of the human body dissolves and is reborn within ocean currents, evoking themes such as memory, introspection, and connection with the unknown.

The concept of this project is to bring the sea to the viewer not merely as a landscape, but as a living entity—a space for listening and a vehicle for transforming the viewer into a subject reshaped by this immersive experience. The video builds an intimate dialogue between the body and the waters, exploring how the sea can amplify inner states, reveal vulnerabilities, and offer a metaphorical dive into the essence of being. Ocean’s Whisper is born from the idea that the ocean “whispers” secrets to those who allow themselves to be vulnerable before its vastness.

Director Biography – Gonçalo Ornelas Gomes

Gonçalo Nuno de Ornelas Gomes is a multidisciplinary creator born on Madeira Island, Portugal, whose artistic and intellectual practice unfolds across video, performance, and sensory research. Driven by a deep curiosity about the human condition and the relationship between body, space, and memory, Gonçalo develops projects that invite introspection and the attentive listening of the invisible.

With a background in Design, his journey has been marked by a poetic and experimental approach, where the sea — a constant presence in his geography and imagination — emerges as a metaphor for transformation, vulnerability, and connection with the unknown. Works such as Ocean’s Whisper reveal his interest in crafting immersive experiences that dissolve boundaries between the viewer and the environment, between the intimate and the universal.

Alfred Schaschl

This is my passion… this is my mission… this is my way of expressing art… this is my MAGIC OF THE MACROVERSE

Director Biography – Alfred Schaschl

Alfred Schaschl is an underwater filmmaker from Carinthia, Austria, renowned for his captivating nature documentaries filmed beneath the surface. Alongside his professional role as Head of the Building Authority in the municipality of Arnoldstein, he dedicates his free time to the art of filmmaking. Without a doubt, he ranks among the world’s most significant macro underwater filmmakers.

With more than 2,500 dives across nearly all of the world’s oceans, Schaschl has compiled an impressive collection of underwater footage. His films are characterized by an emotional narrative style and a strong visual aesthetic. He is regarded as a “Voice of the Oceans”, bringing awareness to the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems.

Nevertheless, Schaschl’s main focus remains his passion: the underwater world.

Highlight Project: “MAGIC MOMENTS”

His most recent and notable project is the film “MAGIC MOMENTS,” shot in Indonesia.

This work explores the deep connection between humans and the ocean, encouraging viewers to reflect on the importance of the sea. More than mere entertainment, Schaschl’s films aim to educate and raise awareness about the beauty and vulnerability of the oceans.

Cinematic Focus and Style

Themes & Motifs:
Schaschl’s films center around the beauty and fragility of marine life. Through his visual storytelling, he aims to foster greater awareness of ocean conservation.

Aesthetics & Narrative:
His work combines a visually poetic language with emotional storytelling. These are not just documentaries – they are stories that touch the heart and inspire reflection.

International Awards & Recognition

Alfred Schaschl’s contributions have earned him wide international acclaim. His films have been screened in numerous countries, underlining the global reach and recognition of his work:

🥇 Major Awards:

Gold Medal – World Championship WorldShootOut 2021, 2022, 2023

Gold Medal – Asian Dive Expo 2025 (Singapore)

1st Prize – Wetpixel Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2023

1st Prize – Houston Underwater Film Festival 2023 (USA)

1st Prize – Camera Louis Boutan 2020 (Germany)

1st Prize – Film Festival Cimasub 2024 (Spain)

1st Prize – SOTO Aqua Film Festival Venice 2021

1st Prize – Scubaverse Underwater Video Contest 2021 & 2022 (UK)

1st Prize – Neum Underwater Film Festival 2025 (Bosnia)

🥈 2nd Prizes:

Houston Underwater Film Festival 2024 (USA)

Ocean Geographic “Pictures of the Year” 2021 & 2023 – Howard Hall Award of Excellence (Australia)

Wetpixel Masters 2024 (USA)

San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition 2021 (USA)

PAF Tachov Underwater Film Festival 2021 & 2024 (Czech Republic)

🎬 Other Distinctions:

Honorable Mention – Ocean Geographic “Pictures of the Year” 2024 (Australia)

Award Winner – International Underwater Film Festival Belgrade 2024

Special Jury Award – Cimasub (Spain)

Official Selections –

San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition 2023

Film Festival Belgrade 2020, 2021, 2022

Finalist / Semifinalist – Neum Underwater Film Festival (2021, 2022, 2023)

Nominee – Short Film Prize, Int’l Ocean Film Festival Kiel CINEMARE 2022

Further Involvements

CMAS Jury Member – European Championship 2022 (Madeira), World Championship 2023 (Cuba)

Netflix Documentary Collaboration – Participation in several world record ice diving attempts at Weissensee (Austria) alongside Markus Rogan

Alfred Schaschl

This story is drawn from my own life — a life deeply connected to the ocean since early childhood. A journey driven by a true, quiet love for the sea — for its boundless power, its mystique, and the secrets hidden deep beneath its surface. Only a few are granted those rare moments when the veil is lifted — when the unseen becomes visible, when magic becomes tangible. I consider it a gift to be among the few who are allowed to dive into this fairytale world and capture its wonders through images. This film is a personal tribute to the beauty, fragility of our oceans, and the transience of all life. It reveals not only the marvels beneath the surface, but also the quiet despair I feel when faced with the realization that greed and the thirst for power are destroying it all. It is a story full of “magic moments” — filled with awe, hope, and the longing to make the invisible visible, and worth protecting. A story of passion love, and the fleeting nature of time – as only life can write it.

Director Biography – Alfred Schaschl

Alfred Schaschl is an underwater filmmaker from Carinthia, Austria, renowned for his captivating nature documentaries filmed beneath the surface. Alongside his professional role as Head of the Building Authority in the municipality of Arnoldstein, he dedicates his free time to the art of filmmaking. Without a doubt, he ranks among the world’s most significant macro underwater filmmakers.

With more than 2,500 dives across nearly all of the world’s oceans, Schaschl has compiled an impressive collection of underwater footage. His films are characterized by an emotional narrative style and a strong visual aesthetic. He is regarded as a “Voice of the Oceans”, bringing awareness to the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems.

Nevertheless, Schaschl’s main focus remains his passion: the underwater world.

Highlight Project: “MAGIC MOMENTS”

His most recent and notable project is the film “MAGIC MOMENTS,” shot in Indonesia.

This work explores the deep connection between humans and the ocean, encouraging viewers to reflect on the importance of the sea. More than mere entertainment, Schaschl’s films aim to educate and raise awareness about the beauty and vulnerability of the oceans.

Cinematic Focus and Style

Themes & Motifs:
Schaschl’s films center around the beauty and fragility of marine life. Through his visual storytelling, he aims to foster greater awareness of ocean conservation.

Aesthetics & Narrative:
His work combines a visually poetic language with emotional storytelling. These are not just documentaries – they are stories that touch the heart and inspire reflection.

International Awards & Recognition

Alfred Schaschl’s contributions have earned him wide international acclaim. His films have been screened in numerous countries, underlining the global reach and recognition of his work:

🥇 Major Awards:

Gold Medal – World Championship WorldShootOut 2021, 2022, 2023

Gold Medal – Asian Dive Expo 2025 (Singapore)

1st Prize – Wetpixel Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2023

1st Prize – Houston Underwater Film Festival 2023 (USA)

1st Prize – Camera Louis Boutan 2020 (Germany)

1st Prize – Film Festival Cimasub 2024 (Spain)

1st Prize – SOTO Aqua Film Festival Venice 2021

1st Prize – Scubaverse Underwater Video Contest 2021 & 2022 (UK)

1st Prize – Neum Underwater Film Festival 2025 (Bosnia)

🥈 2nd Prizes:

Houston Underwater Film Festival 2024 (USA)

Ocean Geographic “Pictures of the Year” 2021 & 2023 – Howard Hall Award of Excellence (Australia)

Wetpixel Masters 2024 (USA)

San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition 2021 (USA)

PAF Tachov Underwater Film Festival 2021 & 2024 (Czech Republic)

🎬 Other Distinctions:

Honorable Mention – Ocean Geographic “Pictures of the Year” 2024 (Australia)

Award Winner – International Underwater Film Festival Belgrade 2024

Special Jury Award – Cimasub (Spain)

Official Selections –

San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition 2023

Film Festival Belgrade 2020, 2021, 2022

Finalist / Semifinalist – Neum Underwater Film Festival (2021, 2022, 2023)

Nominee – Short Film Prize, Int’l Ocean Film Festival Kiel CINEMARE 2022

Further Involvements

CMAS Jury Member – European Championship 2022 (Madeira), World Championship 2023 (Cuba)

Netflix Documentary Collaboration – Participation in several world record ice diving attempts at Weissensee (Austria) alongside Markus Rogan

Nat Savage

La Costa Quebrada: Nature Between The Tides explores the untamed beauty of this rugged stretch of the Cantabrian coast in northern Spain where the landscape has been shaped over millennia. This short film delves into the diverse habitats of this coastline — including the intertidal zone, dramatic cliffs, nearby islands, and coastal fields — home to a fascinating variety of wildlife that has made shore its home.

Director Biography – Nat Savage

Nat Savage is a Spain-based filmmaker originally from the UK. HIs recent award-winning short documentary, La Costa Quebrada: Nature Between the Tides, showcases his talent for blending striking visuals with compelling environmental storytelling.