Screening of "The Big Sea" (Original Version with Subtitles)

United Kingdom, 75 min, 2024. Big Sea Films

“The Big Sea” reveals the dark human and environmental cost of a ubiquitous element in surfing: wetsuits. It does so through an investigation linking the global surf industry to a chemical plant in Louisiana called Denka, located in the infamous “Cancer Alley.” There, toxic chloroprene emissions—the base material of neoprene—are associated with cancer rates up to 50 times higher than the national average in nearby communities.

While showcasing stunning footage of surfers, The Big Sea contrasts these scenes with testimonies from affected residents, scientists, activists, and experts, highlighting issues such as environmental racism, greenwashing, and corporate accountability.

The documentary also explores sustainable alternatives to neoprene—such as natural rubber—and raises urgent questions: Can the surf industry clean up its supply chain? And to what extent are consumers willing to prioritize health, environmental justice, and ethics over cost?