Echoes of the Sea (2024)

The film draws inspiration from the environmental scars left by the 1969 and 2015 Santa Barbara Oil Spills, events that underline the devastating impact of human negligence on nature. By merging these historical events and the actual archival 1969 and 2015 oil spills footage with elements of fantasy, "Echoes of the Sea" becomes more than just a film; it is a call to action, urging us to recognize our role in safeguarding the delicate balance of our planet.

SB Independent Article:

Mission Statement

This USC MFA film delves into the Santa Barbara Oil Spills, symbolizing the enduring impact of human negligence on nature. Our vision is to intertwine reality and myth to ignite a conversation about ecological preservation and social change.

The Story

Set against the backdrop of the picturesque but haunting memory of the Santa Barbara Oil Spill, the story follows Leo and Raya, two students who discover an oil-stained bird on the beach. This encounter leads them on a magical journey, blending reality with the mythical as they explore the hidden truths beneath the ocean's surface and within their hearts. The narrative pivots around a magical dragon, symbolizing nature's plea for help and the transformational power of human empathy and action.

The 1969 and 2015 Santa Barbara Oil Spills underscore the environmental risks of oil operations. The 1969 spill, caused by a blowout at Union Oil's platform, released 3 million gallons of oil, devastating marine life and sparking the modern environmental movement. In 2015, a pipeline rupture near Refugio State Beach spilled 142,800 gallons, harming local ecosystems and reigniting safety and regulatory concerns in the oil industry.

Both incidents highlight the critical need for stringent environmental protections in energy production.

"Echoes of the Sea," is a film that ventures into a poignant exploration of environmental themes, using the powerful medium of magical realism. I want to use this film to delve deep into the narrative of the Santa Barbara Oil Spill, not just as a historical event, but as a symbol of the enduring impact of human negligence on nature. My personal connection to this story began when I arrived at UC Santa Barbara for college in 2016. The lingering scent of oil in the air and the visible signs of environmental damage were profound reminders of the 2015 oil spill tragedy. Witnessing the lasting effects on the ocean, the wildlife, and even the community, I was moved to use film as a means to make a difference.

In "Echoes of the Sea," I aim to intertwine reality and myth to ignite a conversation about ecological preservation and social change. The film is my canvas to portray the mystical alongside the real, drawing parallels between the magical elements in our folklore and the profound mysteries of our natural world. Through this narrative, I hope to connect audiences to the urgency of protecting our environment, echoing the lessons learned from past tragedies and my own experiences at Santa Barbara. This film is more than a story; it's a reflection of my journey and a call to action, urging us all to recognize our role in safeguarding the delicate balance of our planet.

DEVELOPMENT: May 2020-August 2023

PRE-PRODUCTION: August - October 2023

PRODUCTION: End of October - November 2023

POST-PRODUCTION: November 2023 to early 2024

DISTRIBUTION/ FESTIVALS SUBMISSION: 2024, 2025