Directed by Cody Sheehy | Moderated by Michael Carvalho
“The Last Dive” is a beautifully shot documentary that tells the story of a diver and his relationship with a Manta Ray. Immediately following the film, a Q&A will be held with the foremost expert on Manta Rays and the director.
SYNOPSIS
Terry is a legendary figure in Baja Mexico, an American veteran who has spent decades living on—and in—the water. Once a man burdened by a troubled past, Terry’s life was transformed by an unlikely friendship with Willy, a 22-foot oceanic manta ray. For nearly two decades, Willy would slap his wings against the hull of Terry’s sailboat to signal their next dive, and together they explored the ocean’s depths—an extraordinary bond that turned Terry into an unexpected conservationist.
Now in his 80’s, Terry embarks on one final journey to a remote island in hopes of reuniting with his old friend. But he’s also searching for something deeper: peace, closure, and a chance to say goodbye.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Cody Sheehy and produced by acclaimed Mark Monroe, The Last Dive is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant documentary that invites viewers to reflect on our connection to the natural world—and the wild, mysterious creatures that help us find our place in it.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
By Cody Sheehy
The ocean is my home and Terry is my friend.
I met him eight years ago when my wife and I anchored our sailboat next to Terry’s in a remote Mexican bay. We spent an incredible week exploring the underwater world together. For years, I didn’t know what to make of Terry’s tall tales about riding giant Mantas. One night he showed me his footage. Not only was it all true, but I suddenly realized Terry had the ability to inspire a whole new generation in the way that Jacques Cousteau had done so many years before.
Everyone should know by now that the ocean is in trouble. But for me, it’s personal. I live with my wife and two-year-old son on a sailboat. Every night, I drift off to sleep with the sound of the ocean slapping our hull. Over the last 20+ years, I have watched life in the ocean disappear. I wonder if my son will inherit an empty ocean or will it be full of life again soon?
Directing this film has been an honor and a life-changing experience. I grew up in a small rural town far from the city and the ocean. I would have never imagined that someday I’d get to swim with mantas and work with one of the best filmmaking teams in the industry to tell the stories of these amazing giants. Thank you.
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