Sussex Underwater at the premier of Ocean
Sussex Underwater at the Premiere of Ocean
A year ago, an unexpected email dropped into our inbox – one that would come to mean a great deal to us all at Sussex Underwater. It was from Colin Butfield, a writer and environmentalist, who told us he was working on a new book about the oceans with none other than Sir David Attenborough. To our amazement, he wanted to feature Eric Smith’s story – a local diver, passionate environmentalist, and one of the founders of Sussex Underwater – as part of a chapter on the Sussex kelp and the campaign to protect it.
Eric was thrilled, and rightly so. But he was also sworn to secrecy, which, for someone so passionate about his beloved sea, was not easy! Colin and Eric spoke at length, sharing memories, observations, and the powerful story of how Eric had witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by pair trawling along the Sussex coast. Eric shared his personal diving diary, handwritten entries dating back to the 1970’s, chronicling what he saw beneath the waves: bare seabeds where lush kelp forests once danced. Colin was captivated – and asked to include one of Eric’s diary entries from 2005 in the book. It was a deeply personal and meaningful moment.
Months later, we received confirmation: the Sussex kelp restoration story would indeed be in the book. Eric could finally tell people. We were ecstatic.
And then – another surprise.
A film was being made to accompany the book, and though Sussex didn’t feature as a major storyline, we were invited to the premiere in London. Not just any premiere – the Ocean premiere, celebrating David Attenborough’s 99th birthday, with the man himself expected to attend.
The excitement was palpable.
Eric dusted off his tuxedo and bow tie, and off we went. Catrine and Paul were also invited to a special Future Generations premiere earlier that day – an event filled with schoolchildren, buzzing with anticipation. As we took our seats, we realised we were sitting just behind Prince William, who was there to support the message of the film. The energy in the room was electric, the reactions of the children around us honest and moving.
The film itself was a powerful and unflinching look at what’s really happening in our oceans. The scenes on trawling – raw and heart-wrenching – were some of the most impactful we’ve ever seen. It didn’t hold back, and nor should it have. The sea is in crisis. And the film made that clear.
Then came the main event – the evening premiere. Eric, joined by producer Sarah Cunliffe, who directed Our Sea Forest, and Sean Ashworth from Sussex IFCA, stood as representatives of the Sussex kelp story. Together, they’ve done so much to push for change – to get the trawler ban in place, to give our seas a chance to recover. This night felt like a celebration of those efforts.
As we sat in the theatre, Sir David Attenborough entered, along with King Charles. They sat just a few rows behind us. The crowd rose to their feet in applause – it was emotional, surreal, unforgettable.
The film delivered a strong message: we are a blue planet. Every second breath we take comes from the ocean. If we want to save our planet, we must save our seas. It’s a message Eric, and everyone at Sussex Underwater, has been shouting for years.
Though we didn’t get to meet Sir David, we watched him from across the theatre – this giant of conservation, at 99 years old, still leading with such honesty and urgency. As the final credits rolled, the room rose again in applause. Not just for the film, but for him – for everything he’s done to bring our oceans into the public eye.
We left feeling inspired, emotional, and proud. Eric’s story – our story – was now part of something much bigger. A global message. A legacy of truth and hope.
And it all started right here, in the Sussex sea.
Thank you for sharing. Truly awesome! Well done guys! So pleased for you!
Thank you Sue 🙂