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Celebrating Marine Conservation Through Film at Setouchi Retreat Aonagi

Introduction

Located on a serene hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Setouchi Retreat Aonagi by Onko Chishin promises a unique experience as it participates in the Oceanic Global Short Film Festival in 2026. This festival showcases films that advocate for ocean conservation and storytelling, and will see the screening of award-winning shorts with a breathtaking backdrop of nature.

About the Oceanic Global Short Film Festival

The Oceanic Global Short Film Festival, founded in 2020, has garnered attention for its dedication to connecting marine conservation with storytelling. This year marks its fourth iteration. The theme, "Films That Awaken New Depths," invites filmmakers from across the globe to share narratives about the bond between humanity and the ocean. Each selected short film aims to stir emotions and provoke thought about our existing relationship with marine environments.

This year, the festival features entries from 79 films produced across 47 countries, with four awards allocated to outstanding works. The festival is officially sanctioned by the UN's Ocean Decade initiative and will have its world premieres in major cities like New York, London, and Los Angeles during World Oceans Month in June 2026.

Event Details at Setouchi Retreat Aonagi

The film screenings will be exclusively available to overnight guests at Setouchi Retreat Aonagi on the weekends of June 13-14, 20-21, and 27. Guests will have the opportunity to experience five films, including the four award-winning shorts.

Alongside the cinematic experience, guests will be treated to two original cocktails inspired by the ocean—"Shio" and "Nagi"—crafted to reflect the stunning blue hues and tranquility of the Seto Inland Sea. These cocktails are a perfect complement to the ethereal experience of watching powerful marine stories unfold on screen.

Screening Schedule

• - Dates: June 13, 14, 20, 21, and 27, 2026
• - Location: Setouchi Retreat Aonagi by Onko Chishin
• - Attendees: Guests of the hotel only
• - Features: Screening of five films (4 award-winning + 1 additional)
• - Cost: Included in the room rate
• - Screening Time: 9:30 PM

The venue is designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, providing a minimalist yet luxurious space to reflect on the deep connections between films and the waters surrounding them.

The Award-Winning Films

1. NIO KO BOKK (This Belongs to All of Us)
- Director: David Clancy (France)
- Awards: Grand Jury Prize
- Summary: A narrative on two Senegalese youths searching for meaning in their home sea while confronting the lure of distant adventures.

2. Wild Summon
- Director: Karni & Saul (UK)
- Awards: Human Connection Category Award
- Summary: An eco-fantasy depicting the life cycle of wild salmon with narration by singer-actress Marianne Faithfull.

3. Save the Fear for Later
- Director: Alexander Benedik (Greenland)
- Awards: Discovery Category Award
- Summary: This documentary captures the beauty and risks of freediving beneath Greenland’s icy landscapes.

4. ŌSENI
- Directors: Carter Kirilenko, Phoebe Montague Warr (Tonga)
- Awards: Living Systems Category Award
- Summary: A documentary following researchers studying humpback whales in Tonga, exploring the ancient stories interwoven with the marine life.

Additionally, there will be a special screening of The Fisherman of Ras Beirut, chronicling the memories of a Lebanese fisherman as he navigates the dawn-lit sea.

Conclusion

Under the thematic guidance of "Minimal Luxury," the Setouchi Retreat Aonagi offers a profound setting for connections between humans and the ocean. General Manager Hitomi Shimokubo has emphasized the importance of this event, reinforcing the bond between one's surroundings and storytelling. Through the integration of architecture, film, and the stunning natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, attendees are encouraged to rediscover their connection with nature.

About Setouchi Retreat Aonagi

Renovated under the supervision of acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, Setouchi Retreat Aonagi merges artistry with luxury hospitality, featuring seven exclusive suites. The hotel provides an array of local experiences, including kaiseki dining that utilizes seasonal local ingredients, indoor and outdoor pools, and a luxury spa exclusive to Shikoku.

For further details and reservations, visit Setouchi Retreat Aonagi.