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One woman going beyond the limits to help save our planet
 

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PHOTO: Wofty Wild

Trailer



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.

Synopsis
Location
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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. 

Protagonists

SARAH FERGUSON

Our Leading Lady

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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

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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.

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Themes

TOPICS & THEMES

Against the Current

AGAINST THE CURRENT is a film that raises multiple points for discussion in an educational setting:

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Female Empowerment
Plastic Pollution
Sustainability
Waste Management
Easter Island
Sport/Open-Water Endurance Swimming

Teamwork & Collaboration

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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 

Reach
Sarah Ferguson swimming Easter Island

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.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

285,000

257,000

105,000

13,500

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FESTIVAL RUN

Official Selections as of December 2021

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CONTACT

CAT HELLMANN

+852 9469 0009

cat@plasticoceans.org

JULIE ANDERSEN

+1 (310) 592-1103

julie@plasticoceans.org

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