Healthy Seas documentary “Journey to Ithaca” wins award at Cannes World Film Festival

Healthy Seas, an organization founded by Aquafil together with Star Sock and the NGO Ghost Diving, has been awarded at the Cannes World Film Festival – Remember the Future for its documentary “Journey to Ithaca”, which won the title of Best Environmental Film.

Directed by Michael Westreicher, the 15-minute documentary “Journey to Ithaca” tells the story of the biggest clean-up to date by Healthy Seas and its partners in Greece.

In 2012, an aquaculture farm was abandoned in Ithaca after the bankruptcy, degrading the natural environment and wreaking havoc on the marine habitat and local community. Some years later, a local environmentalist, George Lilas, publicized photos of the catastrophe on social media, getting the attention of Healthy Seas, who was able to mobilize funding and partners to help restore the area. In just 8 days, 40 volunteer divers helped remove 76 tonnes of marine litter, both underwater and at the surface on the island of Ithaca. The project was held under the Auspice of the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

The recovered fishing nets were regenerated by Aquafil together with other nylon waste into ECONYL® nylon, to become the basis for new products.

“I hope that this award will help raise awareness about pollution and inspire many to take action,” said Michael Westreicher.

Watch the full documentary “Journey to Ithaca” here.