Thirroul photographer Ray Collins will be introducing the Ocean Film Festival next month in Wollongong, as well as starring in one of the films.
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Mr Collins, a former coal miner, began producing ocean art after a work injury over ten years ago, and has since seen huge success both in Australia and on the international scene.
“We’re really lucky, Ray Collins will be at the festival to introduce the night.” said festival coordinator, Jemima Robinson.
“And the thing is, he’s a really nice guy. Sometimes you meet these people and they’re a bit, but he’s such a great guy.”
The festival is made up of nine short-medium length films, all of which explore an aspect of the ocean.
“One film I’m really excited about is the two minute long animation.” said Ms Robinson.
“While all the other films show a lot of beauty, this one really shows how fierce the ocean is, with electric colours and dark ocean.”
The program has been specifically curated to take people on a journey and give them a variety of experiences.
Submissions for the festival flooded in from all over Australia and the world, but even with 300 entries it was obvious to the organisers which films really stood out.
““We know that most people leave this event wanting to quit work and hit the water,” said Ms Robinson.
“It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, choosing the videos that will really capture people and tell a story.”
The festival will be screening at University Hall at the University of Wollongong on March 16 as part of the national tour.
Films to look out for
Fishpeople – a short film depicting 6 real people, all from different parts of the world, all with nothing connecting them except the ocean.
Subjacent – a two minute collaboration from Victoria, including creatures animated in electric colours and a beautiful, original soundtrack
Touched by the Ocean – a short film involving two ‘crazy Latvians and a ‘second-hand rowboat named ‘Linda’.
Ocean Film Festival, University Hall at UOW, March 16 from 7pm. Tickets via www.oceanfilmfestival.com.au
