One woman going beyond the limits to help save our planet
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PHOTO: Wofty Wild
A global team unites around world-class South African endurance swimmer, Sarah Ferguson, as she attempts to become the first human ever to swim nonstop around Easter Island. It's a daunting challenge taken on as a means to raise awareness about plastic pollution.
A FILM BY TOD HARDIN & ERIK ALEYNIKOV
AGAINST THE CURRENT is an award-winning documentary that chronicles the journey of South African endurance swimmer Sarah Ferguson, as she attempts to become the first person ever to swim around Easter Island (Rapa Nui) nonstop. Without being able to touch a boat or another person, Sarah's daunting swim was estimated to take up to 32 hours to complete, through 40 miles of strong currents, powerful winds, enormous waves and other hurdles along the way.
The film tells the story of a global team united, not only in trying to make Sarah’s challenge a success, but also in using it to raise awareness about the issue of plastic pollution. Audiences will see first-hand the meticulous and grueling preparation that took place, as well as the intricate processes for managing such an intense swim once it's underway.
Supporting sequences provide viewers with insight into the issue of plastic pollution as well as on the history and rich culture of Easter Island.
27.1127° S, 109.3497° W
THE LOCATION
The film was primarily shot on the South Pacific destination of Easter Island (Rapa Nui), famous for its iconic Moai statues and for being one of the most remote inhabited locations on the planet. Its waters are a pristine blue; its lands a diverse mix of forest, volcanic coastline and sweeping open plains; with a rich history and cultural traditions that are a sight to behold.
SARAH FERGUSON
Our Leading Lady
SARAH is a South African physical therapist, environmental activist and one of the world's top open-water endurance swimmers. She is the founder of Breathe Ocean Conservation, a powerful keynote speaker and eco-educator. By pioneering extreme swims around the world, she has inspired thousands of people to make a difference and help them realize that they too can be part of the solution to building a healthier planet -- and one free of plastic pollution.
MATTHEW MODINE
Narrator, Co-Writer and Executive Producer
Plastic Oceans International Ambassador MATTHEW MODINE has been a mainstay of film, television, and stage for four decades. He’s appeared in FULL METAL JACKET, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, MARRIED TO THE MOB, VISION QUEST, HBO’s AND THE BAND PLAYED ON, and Netflix’s global hit, STRANGER THINGS.
TOPICS & THEMES
Against the Current
AGAINST THE CURRENT is a film that raises multiple points for discussion in an educational setting:
Female Empowerment
Plastic Pollution
Sustainability
Waste Management
Easter Island
Sport/Open-Water Endurance Swimming
Teamwork & Collaboration
The film is co-produced by Plastic Oceans International, a global NGO with extensive experience in developing strong impact programs for films, including the award-winning documentary A PLASTIC OCEAN.
"Not only does the film capture a compelling story of human perseverance, it explores very tangible environmental issues that need our attention urgently."
- Samantha Dols, Programming Director, Washington West Film Festival
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OUR REACH
A Built-in Audience
AGAINST THE CURRENT will instantly have a built-in audience driven by a combined social media following of over 660,000 among Plastic Oceans International, its branches, Breathe Ocean Conservation and all the various stakeholders in the film, including Sarah Ferguson, John McCarthy and Matthew Modine.
285,000
257,000
105,000
13,500
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FESTIVAL RUN
Official Selections as of December 2021
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