About the Film
Beneath the Surface follows two guides in conversation with the ocean. Mishka, a Bermudan musician whose career has been shaped by the sea, and Dr. Mikki McKomb-Kobza of Ocean First Institute, a marine scientist focused on youth education and ocean conservation. The film moves between intimate dialogue and field work, contrasting personal responsibility with the scale of change. Each story centers on agency and the bigger questions of what we can do. The visuals are spare and tactile, grounded in texture, water, and breath. The score blends Mishka’s music with the atmosphere of being on or in the ocean. The aim is simple, leave viewers with practical hope and a clear next step.
Why It Matters?
Most people care, few know what to do. This short invites viewers to trade overwhelm for an action or new point of view that can help make a difference, at home, in class, or in their community.
Who We Are:
Matt Abraxas, Director, Producer, Editor -
Matt is a Colorado-based filmmaker focused on conservation and transformation stories. Through New Focus Films he has delivered documentary and campaign work for mission-driven partners, including Ocean First Institute, Fins Attached and Roots Music Project. His series A Rising Tide highlights youth ocean stewardship. Matt works end to end, directing, producing, and editing, and brings ten years of hands-on experience in online promotion to support each release.
Mishka, Featured Artist -
Mishka is a Bermudian singer songwriter whose music blends acoustic ballads and roots reggae. His 2022 album, This Love, earned national radio play in the US, and across seven studio albums and two EPs he has notched multiple number one entries on the Billboard Reggae chart, collaborated with Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffett, and toured worldwide.
Dr. Mikki McKomb-Kobza, Featured Scientist-
Dr. Mikki is a marine biologist and the executive director of Ocean First Institute. Her work centers on youth education, community science, and practical conservation. A frequent public speaker and educator, she helps translate complex ocean issues into hands-on projects that students and communities can do right now.
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