This is a tale of the power we have as individuals and as a community to effect change.
The Film
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Surfing is killing it. This $10 billion global industry – built on a clean, green dream – has never been more popular. But surfing has a dirty secret, and people are dying.
From filmmakers Lewis Arnold and Chris Nelson, The Big Sea is the award-winning independent documentary exposing surfing’s hidden links to ‘Cancer Alley’ and the devastating impact of our toxic addiction to Neoprene – a synthetic material born out of a carcinogenic chemical process so toxic that the California government requires wetsuits to carry health warnings.
“One of the most important outdoor films of all time.” Keme Nzerem, journalist, Channel 4 News
Neoprene is the commercial name for Chloroprene rubber. There is just one chloroprene plant in the USA. Rising from the site of a former slave plantation in ‘Cancer Alley’, the chemical factory casts a toxic shadow over the community living on its fence-line, fighting for the right to breath clean air. The cancer risk to the residents here is the highest in the USA – 50 times the national average.
Through the lens of surfing and unwrapping issues of greenwashing, social justice and environmental racism, this life and death tale of two seemingly unconnected communities explores the power we have as individuals to effect change.
“The film that changed an industry.” Ian Stewart, Xcel Wetsuits
While wetsuits are the poster child of Neoprene, surfing is just the tip of the iceberg – it’s used in everything from cars and trainers to luggage and fashion, but natural rubber alternatives quite literally grow on trees. What price are you willing to pay for your leisure time?
Featuring leading activists, industry insiders, environmentalists, doctors, scientists, surfers and more including:
Courtney Baloney – funeral director, Louisiana * Scott Boot – Global Director Billabong wetsuits * Vickie Boothe – Environmental Protection Agency (retired) * Jamie Brisick – writer & filmmaker * Amanda Chinchelli – Founder, Seea * Dr Mariza Daras – Neuro-oncologist * Julie Dermansky – Independent multimedia journalist, Louisiana * Lydia Gerard – Concerned Citizens of St John, Activist * Dr Sarah Gerhardt – Big Wave Pioneer, Professor of Chemistry * Chris Hines MBE – Environmental Activist, Co-founder SAS * Lauren Hill – surfer, environmental activist, Waterpeople podcast host *Hub Hubbard – Surf Product Line Manager, Patagonia * Tom Kay – Founder, Finisterre * Sharon Lavine – Rise St James, Activist * Mike Lay – surfer, writer, lifeguard * Chad Nelsen – CEO Surfrider Foundation * Dave Rastovitch – surfer, activist, Waterpeople podcast host * Laetitia Taylor – Concerned Citizens of St John, Activist * Robert Taylor – Concerned Citizens of St John, Activist * Nikki Van Dijk – professional surfer * Geraldine Watkins – Concerned Citizens of St John, Activist *
Add your voice: @thebigseaorg #saynotoneoprene
The Team
Lewis Arnold
Director
An award-winning, self-shooting director and former photojournalist, Lewis’s work experiments with levels of representation to build an arresting aesthetic and narrative that engages and asks questions of the viewer. He is renowned for confronting the environmental responsibility of surfing and exploring the clash of surfing’s countercultural roots with commercial and corporate interests prevalent today.
Chris Nelson
Writer & Producer
A filmmaker and critically acclaimed writer, Chris has more than 30 years experience in delivering cutting edge media as a screenwriter, journalist and producer, exploring the intersection of the counterculture and the mainstream. He has written a groundbreaking documentary series and numerous bestselling books including Cold Water Souls, an anthropological journey in search of surfing’s pioneers.
Demi Taylor
Producer
Demi has spent the last two decades bringing to life the stories that matter in print, on-screen, in-person. She has written everything from best-selling books on surf and travel to documentaries about youth culture’s pioneers. As co-founder of Approaching Lines creative agency, she works with brands, filmmakers and musicians as a consultant and producer.
This film was made possible thanks in part by the generous support of Lifes2good Foundation whose focus is on supporting those who can make a positive impact on people’s lives with a current emphasis on climate change and environmental issues.
The Big Sea would also like to thank our Kickstarter community who generously backed this independent film.