International Ocean Film Tour: Strong cinema programme for water sports fans

Five films with a total length of around 120 minutes will be shown. Including the moderation and supporting programme, an event lasts between two and a half and three hours. Some dates are already fully booked.

Read here about the adventures of unusual water sports enthusiasts and marine conservationists that can be seen on the big screen this year:

Film 1: The Return to Antarctica

Captain Peter Hammarstedt and his team from Sea Shepherd Global are heading 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?

Film 2: Havana 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 legalise their sport - and their desire for more freedom.

Film 3: 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 any trees on earth. James Lea's work as a marine biologist is helping to protect these ancient species. "Older Than Trees" tells of his research and his successes in establishing marine protected areas, so-called Hope Spots.

Film 4: Born to windsurf

Windsurfing legend Bjørn Dunkerbeck is chasing 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. His son Liam, who is following in his father's sporting footsteps, is now also competing at world-class level.

Film 5: Ice Mermaid

Melissa Kegler from Seattle wants to swim over two kilometres 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

• Tickets and further information are available on the website of the International Ocean Film Tour.