Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for UK Schools to receive free Tickets to the Future Generations’ Premiere of Ocean with David Attenborough

Thanks to the generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery and UBS, ocean conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation is offering school pupils aged 8 to 14 across the UK a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the Future Generations’ Premiere of OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH ahead of the Global Cinema Event from 8 May.

To enter your school into the free ballot with a chance of being selected to attend, all you need to do is complete the application form below. Blue Marine Foundation will randomly select the lucky schools and provide them with 15 free tickets to this exclusive Future Generations’ Premiere for UK school pupils on Tuesday 6 May, 2025, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.

The ballot closed on Friday, 4 April 12 BST.

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“Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man. In this film, we share some of those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can be restored to health. This could be the moment of change.”

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH Broadcaster and Biologist

What’s the film about? 

OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the  ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery.

Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen.

OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH will invite audiences worldwide to come together to experience Attenborough’s untold story of the ocean on the big screen.

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Using sensational never-seen-before underwater footage the film dives into:

The major threats to our ocean and demonstrates the unprecedented opportunity we have to enable marine life to recover on an unimaginable scale.
The cost-effective solutions to address harmful human activities affecting coral reefs, mangroves, coastal communities, fish farms and other vital habitats, aiming to restore the ocean to its most pristine and vibrant state.
Showcasing the existing solutions that are ready for immediate replication to help reverse the damage and turn the tide in favour of ocean conservation.

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“We are beyond grateful to have the opportunity to inspire, engage and inform hundreds of school children about the power of ocean conservation with this phenomenal film. In an uncertain era of climate change and escalating biodiversity loss, the film showcases for young people the remarkable opportunities that safeguarding our oceans can provide for future prosperity.”

JO COUMBE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

The celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery.

Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing.

Ultimately, the film is a powerful opportunity to inspire current and future generations to Act For The Ocean!

Photo credit: Ocean With David Attenborough Keith Scholey ©Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios

The world premiere on 6 May has only been made possible by the kind support of the premiere sponsors, UBS and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

“At UBS, we believe in the power of education and philanthropy to drive meaningful change. Through the UBS Optimus Foundation, we are proud to support Blue Marine in their mission to protect our oceans and inspire the next generation. This exclusive screening offers a unique opportunity for young people to connect with the wonders of the marine world and understand the urgent need for conservation. By investing in awareness and education, we can help safeguard our seas for future generations”

Tom Hall Global Head of Social Impact and Philanthropy, UBS and CEO, UBS Optimus Foundation Network

“David Attenborough has inspired a passion for nature among generations of people around the globe. We’re delighted our players, who raised more than £40 million last year for organisations working to protect the natural world, are supporting this event. It will take Attenborough’s message about the pressing need to do more to safeguard our environment to a whole new generation of viewers.”

Clara Govier Managing Director of People’s Postcode Lottery

OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH is set for global cinema event from 8 May.

Visit altitude.film/ocean for more information

Photo credit: Ocean With David Attenborough baitball Doug Anderson ©Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios 2023

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

How can I apply?

You need to read the Terms of Entry, complete the online form on this website and submit your entry.

Who can apply?

Schools based in the UK, with a recommendation for pupils 8 to 14 years old.

When is the application open?

The schools’ ballot will open on 27 March. You can find the form to apply on this website.

When is the application deadline?

You must submit your application before 12 pm BST on 4 April.

When will I find out if my school has been selected?

If your school has been successful in the ballot, the lead contact will be emailed between the 4 – 11 April 2025. Please check emails carefully during this period. Selected and notified schools must RSVP by the specified date provided in the email to confirm their tickets.

Can my school obtain more places if we prove our students have special needs? 

Due to the limited places, we want to ensure that a wide variety of schools can bring their students to see the film. Therefore, each successfully selected school will be allocated 15 places, including staff support places.   

Can I bring more than three teachers to the schools’ premiere? 

If your school is selected, we recommend bringing 12 students and three teachers. However, each school can allocate the places given according to the needs of the students.

What is the rating of the film?

The film hasn’t yet been BFI certified, but we suggest a PG advisory rating.

Who is responsible for providing transportation or financial aid for this purpose?

Transport to and from the event, and any additional financial support, are the responsibility of the school.

Will David Attenborough be attending the Future Generations Premiere?

David Attenborough will not be at the Future Generations screening.

How can my school support the film even if we are not selected to attend the premiere?

Schools will be able to request educational screenings, together with Open Planet and Blue Marine’s resources by emailing oceanfilm@bluemarinefoundation.com.

In addition, if you would like to arrange your own trip to see the film after the premiere, local cinemas can be found HERE, and most cinemas could be amenable to group rates.

As a parent, can I accompany my child, can I be granted an extra space? 

If the parent represents staff supervision within the 15 allocated tickets then this is up to the schools’ discretion.

Is there wheel-chair access? 

There is wheel chair access yes. For all access details visit this guide.

Is parking provided? 

There is no parking on site. For coaches, there are nearby Coach Drop-Off points by the London Eye (not run by the Southbank Centre) – these must be prebooked. Please see additional information here: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/visit-us/getting-here/

What time should we arrive at the venue? 

Details will be sent to the lead contact directly before 6 May.

What should participants to the event wear? 

School uniform or smart-casual clothes, preferably no trainers or jeans.

Will any food and drink be provided at the event?

A carton of water and salty sweet popcorn will be provided on the seat of each attendee. A cafe will also be open inside the Royal Festival Hall to purchase refreshments and snacks if required.

Are there any lunch arrangements?

Because of the high number of schools attending, we request that staff and pupils provide and eat their own packed lunch, or make arrangements to eat, BEFORE arriving at the Royal Festival Hall.

What will be going on before the film starts?

Inside the Royal Festival Hall there will be a number of exhibitions and displays that explore the themes of the film. There are also cafes with refreshments available to purchase.

Are there any ocean education resources we can explore ahead of watching the film?

Please do explore the following links to gain a deeper understanding of OCEAN:

Home – The Sea We Breathe

Exploring the ocean & climate in the classroom. – Convex Seascape Survey

How long is the film?

The film is 84 minutes long.

Will there be First Aid arrangements on site?

The venue will provide First Aid cover inside and for the carpet area. The venue Security Officers are all first aid trained.

What plans are in place in the event of rain?

Attendees are expected to bring their rain protection.

Where should pupils go if they lose their group before or during the film screening?

We advise that they find the Blue Marine Foundation Exhibition Space in the main entrance space of the Royal Festival Hall. A Blue Marine staff member with all the teachers’ contact numbers will be there.