NOW SHOWING IN SELECTED IMAX THEATERS
IN THE UNITED STATES, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, AND JAPAN.

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The story of two men and their attempt
to dive deeper than anyone has ever dared...
... over 500 feet
on a single breath of air.

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Ten years ago, Luc Besson's successful wide-screen film THE BIG BLUE fictionalized the rivalry between Jaques Mayol and Enzo Maiorca, the most profiled breathhold-divers of their time. Remaining strictly documentary, OCEAN MEN features the current heroes of the apnoe-sport: Pipin Ferreras and Umberto Pelizzari - their sport, their concepts, and their competition.

APNOE
Breathhold-diving is not just another extreme sport.  It embodies a remarkable combination of athletics and philosophy, human nature and cultural tradition.  The roots of Apnoe reach far back into the genesis of mankind, disclosing astounding physiological phenomena, which man shares with sea mammals.  For centuries ocean men have been diving for a living.  Today's spear-fishers and pearl-divers confirm the practical background of the sport.  Umberto and Pipin are the undisputed heroes of Apnoe.  In the course of 1999 they will undertake new attempts to break their old records.  The current mark is set at 135 meters (400 feet) below the water's surface with just one breath.

H5B5 MEDIA
As one of Germany's largest production companies, H5B5 Media is renowned for its documentary specials and its popular science magazines for television.  A monthly print magazine, CD-roms and videos accompany H5B5's television productions.  The strong affinity among the subjects H5B5 deals with in its TV programs, and those that are fit for the big screen, has lead to the founding of a large-format production branch within the company.  OCEAN MEN marks the beginning of a long-term engagement in the field of big screen film production.

BOB TALBOT
H5B5 has succeeded in engaging Bob Talbot as director/cinematographer for OCEAN MEN.  Bob's achievements in the field of marine photography are numerous.  His credits include wildlife cinematography for FREE WILLY and FREE WILLY 2.  Recently he filmed DOLPHINS - THE RIDE for IMAX/nWave Entertainment and acted as a co-director in MacGillivray-Freeman's production of DOLPHINS.