This is a tale of the power we have as individuals and as a community to effect change.
The Film
From filmmakers Lewis Arnold and Chris Nelson, The Big Sea is an independent, investigative documentary exposing surfing’s hidden links to Cancer Alley and the devastating impact of the wetsuit world’s toxic addition to Neoprene. 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, CMO Xcel Wetsuits
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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. The price of the perfect wave is greater than you think.
The majority of wetsuits on the market today are made of chloroprene rubber AKA Neoprene, a synthetic material born out of a carcinogenic petrochemical process so toxic that the California government requires them to carry health warnings. There is one chloroprene plant in the USA. Rising from the site of a former plantation in Cancer Alley, the chemical factory casts a deadly shadow over the community fighting environmental racism, fighting for the right to breath clean air. Due to the chloroprene emissions, the EPA cites that the cancer risk here is the highest in the USA – 50 times the national average.
While Neoprene is used across leisure, automotive and building industries, it is surfing’s image that is used to clean up and green up this dirty chemical compound. Confronted by its complicity as the poster-child for Neoprene and under pressure to substantiate “green” claims, will the surf industry clean up its act? Will surfing lead the charge to natural alternatives that are readily available and use its position to work with the residents of Reserve to help stem this toxic tide?
Shot over three years in California, Louisiana, UK, Ireland, France, Spain & Australia, this is a tale of the power we have as individuals and as a community to effect change. With insights from industry insiders, surfers, scientists, environmental campaigners and oncologists, The Big Sea asks, “Can you live with the true, human cost of surfing?”
Add your voice: @thebigseaorg #saynotoneoprene
What they’re saying:
“The Big Sea is the film that changed an industry.” Ian Stewart, CMO Xcel Wetsuits
“Impressively fully independent, beautifully made and outstandingly delivered – this is quite simply one of the most refreshingly crafted documentaries I’ve seen in a long time. With journalism at its core, it is an essential look at the horrendous impact of the Neoprene industry – a challenge to anyone, not least the brands, to make a change.” Will Rose, Led By Donkeys
“Probably the most focussed 50 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
“The film insists its viewers re-think their relationship with the wetsuit industry. 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
Exec Producer & Writer
A critically acclaimed writer, Chris has more than 30 years experience in delivering cutting edge media as a screenwriter, journalist, producer and filmmaker, 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
Executive Producer
As co-founder of Approaching Lines creative agency, Demi has spent the last two decades bringing to life the stories that matter in print, on-screen, in-person. She has written best-selling books on surf and travel and documentaries about youth culture’s pioneers. She works with brands, filmmakers and musicians as a consultant and producer and is the Director of London Surf / Film Festival