50 Hours Underwater is a compelling documentary that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Shafraz (Shaff) Naeem, a renowned professional diver, dive instructor, and underwater photographer from the Maldives. Celebrated within the local dive community for his record-setting achievements, Shaff embarked on a daring 50-hour dive in Kuda Guri, South Male Atoll, in February – an ambitious endeavour marking 50 years of tourism and drawing global attention to the devastating impact of single-use plastic on our oceans.
This landmark expedition is not merely a test of physical endurance; it is a profound statement of environmental activism. As the Maldives grapples with coral bleaching, marine degradation, and coastal erosion, Shaff, supported by his devoted pregnant wife, Michelle, and an expert team of divers, medical personnel, and photographers, confronts these challenges head-on. Their journey reveals the immense physical and emotional toll exacted by such an endeavour, while underscoring the urgency of safeguarding our fragile marine ecosystems.
From candid moments on board that capture the team’s raw reactions and logistical challenges to the breathtaking underwater sequences that reveal a global community rallying behind his cause, ’50 Hours Underwater’ is an immersive experience. At its core, the documentary is much more than an exploration of the deep—it is a call to action, urging us all to confront the environmental challenges that imperil our oceans and to fight for a sustainable future.
