11/05/08

The Oceanográfico gives "Los Mares Dulces de Galicia" an award in the International Underwater Picture Festival

The film “Los Mares Dulces de Galicia” (“Galicia’s Sweet Seas”) by the producer Manuel Enrique García Blanco won first prize in the full-length film category of the International Underwater Picture Festival, which is being held since last 7th May in the Oceanográfico (Aquarium) of the City of Arts and Sciences. In addition to its quality, the jury emphasised the originality and the combination of technique, filming, script and music.

 

Furthermore, Pep Fábregas’ photograph entitled “Olé. Spanish Dancer”, which shows a shell-less snail commonly known as a “Spanish Dancer”, also won the top prize in the individual photograph category. In addition, in the photography collection category, the jury gave first prize to the set of photographs presented by Carlos Martínez.

The main aims of this Festival are to encourage a greater knowledge of the sea in society and to support the work of producers and photographers who specialize in marine ecosystems. In the Festival, the general public were able to enjoy over 50 documentaries and 400 underwater photographs taken in seas and oceans around the whole planet, and a series of conferences and round tables were also held with the best experts in the matter.

Second prize in the full-length film category went to “The Last Sanctuary” by Dennis Lagrange, in individual photography it was Kike Calvo’s picture, and in the collection category Carlos Villoch came second. As for short films, first prize went to Danny Van Belle and his work “The Windows of Life”, whereas second prize was for “Fisheye Fantasea” by Guy and Anita Chaumette.

The Mediterranean special short video prize was won by José Luis Huertas and his film “Cabo de Palos. Aguas de Vida” (“Cabo de Palos. Waters of Life.”), while the Environment special short video prize was for “El Último Viaje” (“The Last Journey”) by Rafa González and Mayte Sánchez. Also, Juan Carlos Calvin won the Mediterranean special photography award, and Alex Boix was the winner of the Environment special photography prize.

The jury’s special mention for video was for Josep María Castellví and his work “Medas Perspectivas” (“Medes Perspectives”), and for photography it was for Antonio Benítez Barrios. Finally, Leticia and Jorge Montoya won first and second prize respectively in the Junior photography category.

Among the specialists in underwater images that have taken part in this event and have been members of the jury, there was the director of the prestigious production “Blue Planet”, Andy Byatt; Leandro Blanco, with over 100 international awards including that of the Royal Photographic Society as honorary member, and Manu San Félix, the first photographer to win the Golden Diver at the 32nd World Underwater Picture Festival in 2005.

Moreover, over these days the 3rd edition of the “Cinesub” International Underwater Cinema Festival was held. In this event, 20 films were shown that have been given awards in other national and international festivals such as the Festival of Antibes, the Celebrate the Sea Festival and the Golden Dolphin Festival.

In addition, the general public who visit the Oceanográfico until next November will have the chance to enjoy the exhibition, which includes the 400 and more photographs that were presented in this first edition of the International Underwater Picture Festival.