BEYOND THE RAGING SEA by Marco Orsini to close the Festival

“I’m not saying what happens but it kept me riveted for the entire run time and made me wonder when, not if, Hollywood was going to try and turn it into a blockbuster.” Unseen Cinema, with ‘Out of Competition’ Beyond the Raging Sea

Beyond the Raging Sea is an action-adventure documentary about extraordinary journeys, harrowing ordeals and transformational discoveries. Omar Samra climbed the highest peak on every continent, was the first Egyptian to climb to the top of Mount Everest, skied to both poles but he needed a new challenge. Omar Nour, Egypt’s first professional tri-athlete was training his Olympic debut at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, when injury struck and ended his bid. Samra called Nour with a life-changing idea – “how about we row the Atlantic Ocean?” WIthin a matter of hours, the two were registered to compete in the world’s toughest rowing race: a 3,000 nautical mile unsupported row across the mighty Atlantic Ocean in a 7m x 1.8m rowing boat. After two years of intense training, Team O2 (as they are affectionately known) headed West from the Canary Islands towards Antigua, dedicating their high-profile endeavour to the plight of refugees worldwide forced to cross dangerous bodies of water to find safe refuge. Although the duo was prepared for the perilous crossing, the raging ocean waters and hard conditions had a different opinion, turning their adventure into a disaster that almost took their own life. Screening 30 June 2024 at 18.00 RAMSGATE COMMUNITY CINEMA 64 High Street Ramsgate CT11 9RS Tickets www.ramsgateiffest.org BEYOND THE RAGING SEA (cert PG) A film directed by Marco Orsini (2018 – 70 mins) With Omar Samra and Omar Nour Synopsis The gripping account of two athletes who embark on the World’s Toughest Row— 3,000 miles across the Atlantic— takes a harrowing turn, mirroring the ordeal of displaced persons crossing dangerous seas. A collaboration between IEFTA, DHL, UNHCR and UNDP