ORCA: Oceans Research & Climate Action Network (RMIT University)

Wednesday 5 June 2024
6.00–8.30pm

RMIT University, Building 80 (Swanston Academic Building), Level 1, Room 2
445 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Presented by ORCA: Oceans Research & Climate Action Network RMIT University
Everyday Oceans: Surfing the Southern Ocean

Join the RMIT University Ocean Research and Climate Action (ORCA) network for a World Oceans Day celebration of people’s relationships with oceans. These two films, both set in the Southern Ocean, offer very different stories of how playing in the waves can shape our lives and relationships. From following with the songlines of the Southern Right Whale as a way to connect with Country and community, to exploring the possibilities of taking risks in surfing and classical music, these two films offer insights into how people and oceans are always connected.

The event will start with a discussion with Linley Hurrell and Mick Sowry, hosted by Rebecca Olive

Great Ocean Love (2022), Dir: Ella Bourne, 28 mins
Filmed in the waters of Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar and Gunditjamara people, Great Ocean Love film responds to ongoing threats of offshore mining that threatens this Country. The film follows surfers, Belinda Baggs, Linley Hurrell and Lilly Pollard, on a journey of discovery that features local women who surf and swim and love the coastline, as well as a whale dreaming story that can teach all of us a few lessons on why we need to protect the places we love, and which care for us.

Musica Surfica (2008), Dir: Mick Sowry, 46 mins
In this film, violin virtuoso and surfer Richard Tognetti, of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, with his friend, surfing provocateur Derek Hynd explore the art and risk of surfing in new ways. Both masters of their respective crafts, they invited a diverse group of surfers and musicians to remote King Island to surf without fins – the key stabilising device that helps navigate the wave surface. During the trip, the ACO performs for the King Island locals with unusual collaborators, folk musicians Mike Kerrin and Danny Spooner. This vibrant music of Bach, Paganini, and others forms the soundtrack to this unusual film about the rewards of giving up control.

This event is supported by RMIT University's Centre for Urban Research and Contemporary Art and Social Transformation.

Register for Everyday Oceans: Surfing the Southern Ocean tickets via Humanitix

Image: ORCA: Oceans Research & Climate Action Network