The oceans cover approximately 70 percent of the Earth surface
and some claim they have been sheltering life forms for more than
3.5 billion years.
Even the researches of the world oceanographers just begin to
shed some light on this mysterious creation mechanism. When moved
by plenty of unusual and diverse marine images, one can feel the
greatness of the oceans that gave birth and brought up all forms
of life since the creation of the Earth.
For the last 30 years, the World Festival of Underwater Pictures
has been continuously facing the Mediterranean Sea at Antibes-Juan-les-Pins,
South of France. It puts in competition the world top creators,
assembling numerous creations from over 40 countries, especially
from European countries but also from the U.S.A., Canada and many
others. As for those picture makers, it consists in a valuable
communication place.
Their wish is that the viewing of their creations by a large number
a people raises, at least a little bit, the awareness of the importance
of the ecosystem and environment protection.
In a similar fashion, the Pacific Ocean-facing Kobe is blessed
to be an information transmitter towards the numerous other countries
surrounding this ocean.
We wish to show here the excellent works that have been selected
at Antibes and also to give an opportunity to the underwater picture
makers of Japan to present their own production.
Through their pictures, even people who have never dived can understand
how important for the mankind is the protection of the nature
and the creatures sharing it with us.
It is possible to share the joy of the sea with disabled persons
as well. We hope that our action, by insisting on a barrier-free
spirit, will be somewhat helpful for them. And the elderly can
take part in the event as well. Just let your eyes admire the
magnificence of the underwater world! Your most imaginative kids
will become a fish, and then maybe draw a funny picture for you!
In the shadow of the festival opening, there are plenty of volunteers
who love the Sea. They talk to each other about their personal
experience, widen their circle of friends and convey to a great
variety of people, ranging from very young children to old people,
messages of the beauty of the underwater world. Not only cameramen
are coming from France, but musicians and painters also participate,
intensifying the exchanges with Japanese artists.
COLLABORATOR