This is a tale of the power we have as individuals and as a community to effect change.
The Film
“The film that changed an industry.”
COMING AUTUMN 2024
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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 an independent documentary exposing surfing’s hidden links to Cancer Alley and the devastating impact of our toxic addiction to Neoprene. The majority of wetsuits on the market today are made of Neoprene – the commercial name for Chloroprene rubber. This synthetic material is born out of a carcinogenic chemical process so toxic that the California government requires them to carry health warnings.
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 deadly shadow over the community fighting for the right to breath clean air. The cancer risk here is the highest in the USA – 50 times the national average.
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. 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.
Featuring 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
What they’re saying:
“The film that changed an industry.” Ian Stewart, Xcel Wetsuits
“…beautifully made and outstandingly delivered – this is quite simply one of the most refreshingly crafted documentaries I’ve seen in a long time… a challenge to anyone, not least the brands, to make a change.” Will Rose, Led By Donkeys
“The most focussed 70 minutes of environmental and social campaigning by surfers ever.” Chris Hines MBE, Surfers Against Sewage Co-Founder
“An extraordinary piece of work with the power to reframe the conversation about surfing environmentalism and drive real tangible change.” Matt Barr, Looking Sideways
“Life or death journalism the like of which surfing has seldom seen.” Mike Lay, Editor Wavelength Magazine
Press & award highlights:
The Big Sea – Best Campaign: Surfers Against Sewage Awards
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.