“Journey to Ithaca”, a captivating documentary that delves into the depths of an environmental catastrophe, has been making waves in the film industry. Its recent recognition with the Best Environmental Film Prize at the Cannes World Film Festival underscores its power to raise awareness about the long-term ecological challenges after the abandonment of a fish farm in the Mediterranean Sea. This documentary’s poignant portrayal of a the 76-ton cleanup effort emphasizes its commitment to highlighting the gravity of the issue.
The film’s compelling storytelling has earned it prestigious recognition, including Best Documentary Short and Best Nature Film at the 8 & HalfFilm Awards, along with the distinction of Best Nature Documentary at the Frida Film Festival. Notably, “Journey to Ithaca” has continued its triumphant journey, adding two more feathers to its cap with awards for Best Documentary Short and Best Cinematography at the New York Neorealism Film Awards, as well as the title of Best Short Documentary at the Milan Gold Awards. The film’s selection to be showcased at the Innsbruck Nature Film Festival (INFF) further cements its impact and relevance.
“Journey to Ithaca” takes viewers on a thought-provoking journey, inspiring us all to take action in preserving and protecting our planet’s natural beauty for future generations.
In a world where environmental issues often feel overwhelming, “Journey to Ithaca” offers a ray of hope. By merging storytelling with activism, it calls upon us to join the journey toward a healthier planet. This documentary serves as a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference, and that change begins with awareness.
Watch the Journey to Ithaca trailer
Project partners and funding
Hyundai Motor Europe provided funding for the project, that wouldn’t have been possible was it not also for the precious support of many other partners such as Ghost Diving, Enaleia, Kefalonia Fisheries, the Hellenic Coast Guard, Odyssey Outdoor Activities, Aquatic Scuba Diving Club, Scubalife, the Municipality of Ithaca and Prefecture of Ionian Islands, Kosamare and the Ionian Environment Foundation and the Decentralized Administration of Peloponnisos, Western Greece and Ionian that gave the permission for the cleanup. The project was held under the Auspice of the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
About the Director
Michael Westreicher was born in the early 80s in Tirol, Austria. His first love was music, which is still an important part in his life and also his films. He started his diving career in 2011 while on vacation. Back in Austria, he did a lot of specialty dive education, always taking his action camera with him. In 2015, he started his diving education at Global Underwater Explorers, a leader in the field while he also focused on filming. In 2019 he switched from an action cam to a high quality video camera.
Michael is a self-taught filmmaker, first using freeware and later on Adobe software. In his films, music is still the most important creative aspect.
