The animated feature film AcquaTeam – La Grande Avventura in Mare, based on the TV series of the same name which won over children and families alike with its adventures revolving around protecting the oceans, is hitting the big and small screen. Directed by Riccardo Mazzoli, the film is a co-production between GraFFiti Creative (Italy), Toonz Media Group (India) and Telegael (Ireland), involving Rai Kids and with sponsorship from MASE – the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security.

Following a world premiere in San Diego’s Blue Water Film Festival scheduled for 21 March, the film will debut on RAI Yoyo on 22 March on the occasion of World Water Day and will then be available on the RaiPlay streaming platform.

This 92-minute feature film, made in 2D with live action scenes and scripted by Colin and Jonathan Davis, sees marine biologist Marysun, rapping octopus Otty and young Desy sailing from Sardinia on board the Catamarino, taking on the new adventure of travelling around the world. In Greenland, they save narwhals trapped in ice. In Florida, they help reunite a newborn sea turtle and an injured baby manatee with their families, and in the Bermuda Triangle they take on a gigantic squid. A journey through time in the Galapagos Islands, meanwhile, leads them to make the acquaintance of a young Charles Darwin, while their time in Sicily sees them protecting a rare monk seal from a harmful building project.

The project combines the last four specials from the animated series, whilst also introducing new scenes and songs, including a karaoke version of Rap del Mare. The score comes courtesy of Fabrizio Mancinelli, while the theme tune Mare Forza Otty is performed by the children’s choir, the Piccolo Coro dell’Antoniano.

AcquaTeam has had a considerable educational impact since its first special, Missione Mare, was first broadcast in 2021, boasting record ratings on RAI Yoyo and prestigious international prizes. With the support of marine biologist Mariasole Bianco, who’s the inspiration behind the character of Marysun, the project has promoted environmental awareness by way of free workshops held throughout Italy, involving children and their families in educational activities geared towards protecting the sea.

AcquaTeam – La Grande Avventura in Mare is an original project devised by producer Federico Fiecconi. Production will involve Sara Cabras on behalf of RAI Kids. Bruno Zarka and Rathan Sam George are executive co-producers on the project, while Veronica Bonariva is line producer. Gigi Tufano signs his name to the live action scenes.