Surfrider Foundation, MAKING WAVES, March-April 2003

Coral Reef Adventure Hits IMAX

Celebrated filmmaker Greg MacGillivray has just released his newest film for IMAX(r) theatres and large format cinemas---an ocean-themed film called Coral Reef Adventure. Director of such IMAX theatre classics as Everest and The Living Sea, and such early surf classics as Five Summer Stories, MacGillivray has long been interested in making films that promote the well-being of the ocean.

Coral Reef Adventure is an epic film that follows the real-life expedition of two ocean explorers and underwater filmmakers, Howard and Michele Hall, on a daring 10-month journey to document some of the world's largest, most beautiful and most endangered coral reefs. Set in the lush, tropical waters of Fiji, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and the majestic French Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and Rangiroa, Coral Reef Adventure delves deep into the world of coral reefs, celebrating their amazing diversity and warning of their decline.

Other real-life characters appearing in the film are famed ocean advocate Jean-Michel Cousteau and deep reef explorer Richard Pyle. Of course, where there are coral reefs, there are great surfing waves, and the film wouldn't be complete without a fun surfing sequence shot off the shore of Tavarua.

"I grew up on southern California's beaches: surfing, sailing, snorkeling and diving," says MacGillivray. "The ocean is my life, and I hope my films inspire people to love the ocean as much as I do and to do everything they can to ensure its lasting health." MacGillivary Freeman Films has joined with the Surfrider Foundation to spotlight and communicate the need for coral reef conservation. Chapters are invited to host screenings to raise awareness and support. For more information on where to see Coral Reef Adventure, or to get information on you can help coral reefs around the world visit http://www.coralfilm.com - MW