The captivating Australian documentary, Why Humans Dive, has been selected to screen at this year’s Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.

Directed by Harry Cassio, Why Humans Dive has received multiple awards at a variety of global festivals, including Best Documentary Feature, Best Cinematography, Best Director and Best Trailer.

The documentary is a captivating, informative and quirky look at the world of scuba diving which invites audiences to travel with its creator and his dive buddies and learn why humans possess a powerful desire to visit the sea and to navigate an underwater world that is as fascinating as it is formidable, as adrenalin pumping as it is calming, as mysterious as it is familiar.

Why Humans Dive explores the wonders that divers experience, the disciplines they master, the camaraderie they enjoy and the variety of mesmerising and intriguing sea creatures they encounter. The film examines the joy of eliminating gravity and the sensation of ‘flying’, and why exploring the ocean in this way, provides such a magnetic fascination for humans.

We see divers entering ship wrecks, negotiating underwater caves, applying their photographic skills, interacting with nature and being swept along on a drift dive. Why Humans Dive brings a vast collection of sea life to the screen, much of which has been captured in Victorian waters.

We observe the often curious behaviour of the seas inhabitants, their unique survival strategies, hunting skills and interspecies co-operation. We learn about the noble and much maligned shark and enjoy the rollicking habits of Manta Rays. We visit the colourful world of Nudibranchs, Corals, Sponges and more as we travel to different oceans.

You can catch Why Humans Dive at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival on Wednesday, 24 July. Details here. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OboxIdnn55Q

If you enjoyed reading this feature article as much as I loved publishing it, please consider supporting Cinema Australia’s commitment to the Australian screen industry via a donation below.

I strive to shine a light on Australian movies, giving voice to emerging talent and established artists.

This important work is made possible through the support of Cinema Australia readers. Without corporate interests or paywalls, Cinema Australia is committed to remaining free to read, watch and listen to, always.

If you can, please consider making a contribution. It takes less than a minute, and your support will make a significant impact in sustaining Cinema Australia as the much-loved publication that it is.

Thank you.

Matthew Eeles
Founder and Editor.

Make a donation here.