NOUVELLES VAGUES : CINEMA & OCEAN

CINEMA & OCEAN

June 26, 2026 – Théâtre du Casino Municipal, Biarritz 
CINEMA • ENVIRONMENT • EXPLORATION • ENGAGEMENT • SURF CULTURE • TRANSMISSION

    How can cinema become a powerful tool for raising awareness of maritime and climate issues? 
To explore this question, an entire day is dedicated to ocean preservation, inviting participants to reflect on, question, imagine, and debate these issues. Bringing together professionals and engaged stakeholders, the event focuses on some of today’s most pressing environmental concerns. Films, discussions, and powerful testimonies come together to inform, raise awareness, and envision alternative narratives.

Launched four years ago, this initiative is part of an ongoing dialogue between creativity and engagement, with the ambition of conveying these issues to both emerging filmmakers and the wider public.

The event is deeply rooted in Biarritz, a city shaped by the ocean and connected to it through a rare, singular, and powerful bond.

This day is made possible thanks to the invaluable support of the Fondation d’Ici Tokiko, chaired by Patricia Allard, and the Fondation ENGIE, the event’s principal patrons.

An immersive and engaged program

• Round tables, screenings, meetings, and discussions focused on today’s major ocean-related challenges. 
• A sensitive exploration of the role of images, cinema, and storytelling in shaping how we perceive and protect the ocean. 
• Cross-disciplinary perspectives from filmmakers, photographers, explorers, scientists, writers, and engaged stakeholders. 
• A spotlight on a new generation of creators through screenings of the Mini-Filma finalists. 
  Exclusive screenings, book signings, and artistic experiences
• celebrating surf culture and the marine world. 
  Note: this paragraph may be removed if space is limited in the catalogue. 

A free event open to all, subject to availability, designed for students, professionals, engaged stakeholders, and anyone interested in rethinking our relationship with the ocean throughimages and storytelling. 

10:30 AM – The Power of Images 
An immersive discussion on the role of visual storytelling in raising awareness of the threats facing the ocean and marine life. 
Featuring: 
Raphaël De Wael – Bloom: European Policy Officer 
Martin Colognoli – Canon: Photographer and Marine Biologist 
Romain Violleau – BIZKAIA Exploration: Co-Founder 

Mini-Filma Screenings
Screening of the 10 finalist films from the Mini-Filma competition, highlighting perspectives on the ocean and its challenges from filmmakers under the age of 35. 
Selection Committee: Fondation d’Ici Tokiko / Bloom / Surfrider / Water Family / BIZKAIA Exploration 
 
2:30 PM – The Ocean You Eat, Wear, and Breathe 
What if ocean health began with our everyday choices? 
Daniela V. Fernandez explores the connections between human health, consumer industries, and ocean health, while highlighting alternatives that are already helping to shape the economyof tomorrow. 
 
3:00 PM – In Waves Book Signing with AJ Dungo (Bookstore) 
Surfer, illustrator, and author AJ Dungo will sign copies of his graphic novel In Waves, a sensitive and intimate story deeply connected to the ocean and surf culture. 
 
3:30 PM – Foundations & the Ocean 
Organized by the Fondation d’Ici Tokiko, with the exceptional participation of Axelle Davezac, CEO of the Fondation de France, this discussion brings together foundations, associations, and committed voices to explore the role of philanthropic organizations in supporting initiatives dedicated to ocean preservation. 
 
5:00 PM – Screening: Shark Whisperer (Cinéma Le Royal) 
In this documentary, Ocean Ramsey explores our relationship with sharks and challenges our perceptions of these often misunderstood species. 
 
7:30 PM – Screening: In Waves (Gare du Midi) 
Presented at Critics’ Week in Cannes, In Waves by Phuong Mai Nguyen, featuring the voices of Lyna Khoudri and Paul Kircher, will be previewed during the June 26 gala evening. 
 
Registration here