Mark Sowerby.

Don’t Be Prey is a documentary set against the world’s most challenging open-water channel swims, following Australian Mark Sowerby as he takes on the legendary Oceans Seven. An extraordinary story of resilience and endurance, the film charts Sowerby’s journey as he repeatedly picks himself up when all hope seems lost, pushing beyond mental and physical limits in pursuit of one of the toughest tests in endurance sport.

From director Jeff Tseng, Don’t Be Prey is an edge-of-your-seat adventure into one man’s fight to reclaim his life by taking on the Oceans Seven. The Oceans Seven consists of seven iconic, long-distance channel swims across five continents – which fewer than fifty people have completed. Featuring unforgettable characters, raw vulnerability and breathtaking ocean feats, the film charts a journey of perseverance, reinvention and what it really takes to survive.

Mark Sowerby is an Australian entrepreneur and an open-water swimmer. Sowerby established his investment firm, Blue Sky Alternative Investments in 2006, which became a high-profile player on the ASX. Sowerby’s life was turned upside down when a highly publicised short-selling attack on Blue Sky unravelled his reputation, identity and self-belief. It was at this point that Sowerby turned to the ocean. Soon all of the passion and dedication he had put into his career, he channelled into swimming.

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Beyond mere laps in a pool – Sowerby faced his fears and trauma by taking on the greatest open-water marathon swims possible. With no wetsuits, fins or physical assistance – swimmers need incredible mental strength to overcome obstacles both in and out of the water. Completing the Oceans Seven is the swimming equivalent of the Seven Summits – with both taking many people years to achieve. Over the course of a decade, facing doubt and gruelling conditions, Sowerby took on the seemingly impossible task to finish the swims and regain control of his life and restore his sense of self.

Sowerby’s is a personal journey. An inspiring one. It serves as a reminder that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things.

Don’t Be Prey will have its Australian Premiere as Closing Night film at this year’s Gold Coast Film Festival on Sunday 3 May.

To celebrate the film’s release in cinemas, Kismet will hold virtual Q&A Screenings at participating cinemas around the country on opening night, Thursday 7 May. Audiences will hear from Sowerby himself about the trials and tribulations of his life, his career, and what it took to take on the Oceans Seven.

Don’t Be Prey opens in cinemas nationally on May 7, 2026

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