The Deepest Breath: Q&A with the Filmmakers

WFTV members are invited to this online discussion with some of the filmmakers behind the Netflix hit, The Deepest Breath. 

The story of a champion freediver and expert safety diver, whose lives seemed fated to converge at the height of their careers. A look at the thrilling rewards, and inescapable risks, of chasing dreams through the depths of the ocean.

The panel will include writer and director Laura McGann, producer Sarah Thomson and composer Nanita Desai. The panel will be moderated by Wendy Mitchell.

There will be an opportunity to ask the panel questions during the last 15 minutes of the session.

Event Schedule

18:25: Please join the webinar waiting room

18:30: In conversation with Laura McGann, Sarah Thomson and Nanita Desai. 

19:15: Audience Q&A

19:30: Finish

The Deepest Breath

This thrilling documentary tells the story of champion freediver Alessia Zecchini and expert safety diver Stephen Keenan, who seemed fated to meet at the height of their careers. Raw underwater dive footage and extensive interviews bring viewers along for their emotional journey into the stunning, silent depths of the ocean, a breathtaking place unseen by all but the fortunate few — where exhilarating accomplishments and unavoidable risks await. From director Laura McGann, THE DEEPEST BREATH captures the gripping mix of destiny and danger at the heart of two athletes’ undeniable bond, and offers a never-before-seen glimpse into one of the most dangerous sports in the world.

You can currently watch The Deepest Breath on Netflix.

Laura McGann, Writer and Director

Laura McGann lives by the sea in County Wicklow, Ireland, with her wife and their daughter. Her interest in film was piqued at a young age by both her grandfather who was an avid filmmaker and her grand-uncle who ran cinemas. She started making films and producing theatre when she was 15 and went on to study film in Ballyfermot, Dublin and then to pursue a masters in documentary filmmaking in Hope University, Liverpool. Her first festival short The End of the Counter saw her revisit her grandfather's films from the 1960's about the moment the first supermarket arrived in Ireland. Made with the support of the Irish Film Board, the film won several awards including best short documentary at the Galway Film Fleadh and played at international festivals including Boston Independent Film Festival, Dublin International Film Festival, Belfast Film Festival. Laura has worked in Ireland and abroad shooting and directing over 20 documentary series for RTE, SKY, PBS, BBC, Lonely Planet and UTV.

Sarah Thomson, Producer

Sarah is an award-winning producer based in London. The Australian Dream, which was the first feature documentary conceived and produced by Sarah, opened the 2019 Melbourne International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award. The Australian Dream screened at international film festivals including Telluride, Toronto, London, Hawaii and IDFA. The film won numerous awards including the Australian Academy of Cinema Award for Best Documentary, a Screen Producers Award and a Walkley Award for excellence in journalism. It was nominated for a British Independent Film Award and Sarah was longlisted for the 2021 BAFTA Outstanding Debut. Sarah’s second feature is Mary McCartney’s directorial debut, If These Walls Could Sing, which premiered at Telluride Film Festival and was nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award. Sarah is currently producing a number of projects including a feature documentary with Emmy Award winning director Maya Zinshtein (Forever Pure, Til Kingdom Come).

Nainita Desai, Composer

How will the online event work?

This event will be live streamed via Zoom.us. Viewing details will be sent via your confirmation.

Attending participants will not be visible to others and will be muted throughout the session. After the talk, there will be an opportunity for audience members to ask their questions to the panel by using the Q&A feature.

This event is for existing WFTV members only.

If you are not a member and would like to join, membership costs just £100 + VAT/yr , please click here or email admin@wftv.org.uk

At WFTV we’re really keen to ensure that all our events are accessible for everyone. So if you have any particular access requirements, please can you let us know before an event and we will do our best to accommodate you. We would be grateful if you can give us as much notice as possible – please contact admin@wftv.org.uk