In the organizer's words:

Ten years of the International Ocean Film Tour

Ten years ago, we committed ourselves to an idea that we have remained true to ever since. The oceans are wild, they are fun, they are a habitat and a lifeline AND they are endangered. A broad spectrum that we always try to reflect in our program, because understanding is only possible in its entirety and understanding is the key to protecting and preserving this basis of all life on our planet.

This impulse, which has accompanied us from the very beginning, is experiencing a very special impact this year. In the film "The Return to Antarctica", Sea Shepherd draws attention to the overfishing of krill in the Antarctic. This is still legal and is literally destroying the foundations of the marine ecosystem in the Antarctic. Life is also the right keyword for the film "Havana Libre". Frank is Cuban and a passionate surfer. The film shows how Frank fights for a life in which he can pursue his passion freely, as surfing was still forbidden in communist Cuba at the time of filming. The film takes on added poignancy in an Olympic year in which surfing is part of the games for only the second time.

But this year's Ocean has much more to offer. Bjørn Dunkerbeck, a living legend of surfing, goes on a record hunt and ice swimmer Melissa Kegler has to contend not only with the pitfalls of the cold water, but also with those of our superficial society. Ocean has never been more relevant.

The face of the new tour: Frank Gonzáles Guerra

"Never Stop Surfing" is the motto of the up-and-coming surfing community in Cuba. In this year's surf film "Havana Libre", Frank Gonzáles Guerra, this year's face of the International OCEAN FILM TOUR, fights with a group of like-minded people for surfing to be legalized and recognized as an official sport in Cuba. For historical reasons, the Cuban authorities are more than suspicious of water sports and especially of materials that could be used to leave the country by water.

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HAVANNA LIBRE

Anyone surfing in Cuba must always keep an eye on the beach as well as the waves. Because surfing is illegal in Cuba. Normality for surfers like Frank and Yaya. Surf culture in Cuba only takes place behind closed doors, official competitions are impossible - and that's in 2016! Frank and Yaya want to finally change that. "Havana Libre" documents their efforts to legalize their sport - and their desire for more freedom.

THE RETURN TO ANTARCTICA

Captain Peter Hammarstedt and his team from Sea Shepherd Global set course for the Antarctic to draw attention to the massive overfishing of krill. Krill is an elementary component of the Antarctic ecosystem. Without krill, whales, penguins and seals would lose their livelihoods. The consequences would be fatal and yet large-scale krill fishing is still legal. Can we change that?

OLDER THAN TREES

Sharks and rays have been around for more than 400 million years. Some species were swimming through the oceans before there were trees on earth. James Lea's work as a marine biologist is helping to protect these ancient species. "Older Than Trees" tells the story of his research and his successes in establishing marine protected areas, so-called Hope Spots.

BORN TO WINDSURF

Windsurfing legend Bjørn Dunkerbeck chases a new world speed record. In "Born to Windsurf", we accompany him to Namibia, where he wants to break 100 km/h on his surfboard. Meanwhile, his son Liam, who is following in his father's sporting footsteps, is also competing at world-class level.

ICEE MERMAID

Melissa Kegler from Seattle wants to swim over two kilometers in water below five degrees - without a wetsuit. The athlete has been training for years for this extreme challenge. She does not have a stereotypical athletic body - but that is precisely what she needs to set a new record in ice swimming.

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Note: This is a special event organized by Moving Adventure. The event will take place in all weather conditions, except in the event of UNWEATHER HAZARD.

www.oceanfilmtour.com

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Admission: 7 p.m. | Film starts: At dusk
Attention: Depending on the position of the sun between 8 and 10 pm. Start information at: www.openairkino.koeln