Film festival to join blasting opposition

LOCAL surf film fans will be treated to an environmentally-focused film festival that is the first of its kind next month.

Surfrider Foundation is helping to spearhead the inaugural Seismic Blasting Film Festival, which will be held at the Aireys Inlet Pub.

The festival will showcase a series of local films made by filmmakers concerned about plans by large oil and gas companies to conduct seismic blasting operations in the Otway Basin.

Award-winning films Great Ocean Love by Ella Bourne and Southern Blast by Matty Hannan are already locked in.

The remainder of the official program will be made public next week.

Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast president John Foss said he was excited about bringing the festival to the Surf Coast.

“So far we have been blown away by the number of filmmakers interested in this issue.

“Oil and gas companies have failed to consult with our local community, so the festival is a great way to raise awareness of the damaging impact of seismic blasting on whales and other marine life.”

Surfrider Foundation has been at the forefront of opposing seismic blasting in the Otway Basin and has hosted multiple rallies.

“There is significant interest and opposition to seismic blasting in the Otway Basin,” Mr Foss said.

“In recent years we have worked to capture the imagination of surf communities at the local and national level through our rallies and actions.

“It’s bad enough that they want to explore for fossil fuels to create more global warming, but to be harming marine life and destroying the hearing of whales is cruel and barbaric.”

The film night on August 28 will begin at 7.30pm.

Filmmakers can still email a synopsis and trailer to [email protected]