Details of the lineup, and a trailer, for the 2012 Cayman Islands International Underwater Film Festival have been announced. The event is to be held on Thursday 8 November at the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa on Grand Cayman. Featured filmmakers include Frans DeBacker, Leslie Leaney, Howard & Michele Hall, Michael Maes and Dr. Guy Harvey.

Tickets for the event are available to purchase from the Cayman Islands Tourism Association website.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, 1 October 2012 - Once again, the International Underwater Film Festival in Grand Cayman will delight ocean-enthusiasts who gather for this once-a-year video celebration of the landscape, flora, fauna and experiences to be had under the waves. Held in conjunction with the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISHDF) induction ceremony, this year, the Film Festival will take place on Thursday, November 8, 2012, and will feature ISDHF inductee Leslie Leaney. Mr. Leaney serves as the Director of the ISDHF Museum, and he is the publisher of The Journal of Diving History.

DATE: Thursday, November 8, 2012

TIME: Cocktails (cash bar) & Silent Auction 6:30pm, Films 7:30pm

LOCATION: Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, Governor’s Ballrooms (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

COST: CI $25 (Tickets will be available at the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) office, 1320 West Bay Road, Cathy Church’s Photo Centre, Divetech, Don Fosters Dive and Red Sail Sports office) or by completing the form at on the CITA website (credit card purchases only).

Every year, the Film Festival line up shows a diverse mix of underwater videography, films and documentaries. For the first time, the festival will feature two short films from local videographers in addition to pieces by world renowned IMAX film maker Howard Hall, ISDHF inductee Leslie Leaney and marine biologist Dr. Guy Harvey.

2012 International Underwater Film Festival lineup

Cayman Odyssea by Frans DeBacker.

This is a short tribute to the rich underwater world of the Cayman Islands.The variety and abundance of marine life is breathtaking.

Frans De Backer, originally from Belgium, now lives and works since recently relocating to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. His travels as a freelance cameraman brought him to the Island. Enchanted by the charm and beauty both above and below the surface, he decided to stay.

CAYMAN ODYSSEA reflects his discovery and experience of the incredible aquatic world of Cayman. A wonderful but fragile environment we need to treasure and protect. Enjoy and dream away…

Sea Net 1944 From Cayman Islands International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame by Leslie Leaney.

As the museum of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) expands its collection of historical diving artifacts, volunteers continue research into the origins of equipment development. Historical Diving Society member Sid Macken recently located a WWII era short film by the SEA NET company of Los Angeles showing some of the equipment from the museum. But probably the most interesting item from the company is not shown in the film clip, but is revealed after it concludes.

Raja by Howard & Michele Hall.

(Howard & Michele Hall were inducted into the ISDHF in 2011, and due to a huge interest in their films, we have secured a 5-minute short film for our festival this year. Howard & Michele are well known for their underwater videography, including several IMAX films.)

Raja was made during Howard’s and Michele’s first expedition to Raja Ampat, Indonesia early this year. The images were captured with a RED Digital Cinema camera and music was composed by Shie Rozow. In January of next year, the Halls will return to Raja Ampat to begin production of an IMAX feature for the MacGillivray Freeman Film series, One World One Ocean.

Fragile Cayman by Michael Maes.

Michael’s mission was to show viewers the beauty and versatility of the Cayman aquatic realm, educate them of its fragility and remind them of the “obligation” to protect this wonderful world for future generations. The footage of the silversides, tarpons and bar jacks is to show part of “the circle of life” and the ingenuity of species to (more or less) protect themselves against those attacks.

Guy Harvey’s Ocean Explorations by Dr. Guy Harvey.

From the cool waters of Nova Scotia to the Cayman Islands to the remote island of Cocos and 1000 feet below the surface, Dr. Guy Harvey presents an incredible adventure to discover the state of our oceans and the people who’ve dedicated their lives to the marine world. Unprecedented in scope and years in the making, you’ll come face to face with giant bluefin tuna, massive tiger sharks and ethereal sailfish. With never before seen footage and new facts, it’s a journey of discovery unlike anything you’ve seen.