De Espaldas Al Mar

Short Film · 2026 · original language spanish -
subtitles spanish & English 

Written and directed by Francesca Willbrand, de Espaldas Al Mar is a short film about resilience, personal struggle, and the search for hope in the face of the climate crisis, biodiversity loss. 

Through the story guides us Rafael Fernandez, a passionate activist and diver from Caribean who, during a challenging period in his life finds a renewed sense of purpose through his connection with the ocean and the community that form around the ocean. 

Through Rafael’s story, we discover how, out of necessity and desire to respond to the changing state of the ocean, he founded Buceo Ecológico — a growing community dedicated to coral  conservation. What begins as an individual response gradually becomes a collective effort. Rafael and the team teach sustainable diving and marine ecology, while he and the group volunteers monitor, protect, and restore coral reefs.

Set between Santo Domingo and the coral reefs of Baní, Espaldas Al Mar is a story about finding strength through action and community. 

Premiere worldwide: Festival de Ballenas Y Defines, Costa Rica, Guanaqcaste,, Guanacaste / Marina Flamingo on the 28-30 of August 2026 

Europe Primere.
Berlin, Germany Sputnik KINO 16.09.2026