Main Character's Statement: "The Rebel Reef"

With our upcoming WORLD PREMIERE of “The Rebel Reef: Seeds of Hope,” we want to share a little bit more about the inspiration behind the film. I asked our main character, Christian Carias, about how this all came about.

Here’s what Christian said:

“Being close to death changes you. After my accident, the fear of not being able to dive again felt heavier than the injuries themselves. Diving had become a part of who I am, and thinking I might lose that was devastating. Getting back in the water took time, patience, and courage I didn’t think I had.

What helped me was this reef. Tela’s reef has a strength that’s hard to explain unless you’ve seen it up close. It grows and holds on in conditions where most reefs would fail. There’s something powerful about that—something honest. Spending so much time underwater with it made me see resilience in a different way.

This film isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about showing how both people and nature can keep moving forward, even when things get tough. The reef taught me that. That resilience is quiet, steady, and real—and it’s something I carry with me every time I dive.”

-Christan Carias, Main Character, “The Rebel Reef: Seeds of Hope”

The Impact of this Film

For me, as the Executive Producer, bringing this work to life has been the creative endeavor that has challenged me the most and leveled me up as a storyteller, producer, and artist in ways I could not even imagine. I credit our stellar team for this: the movie would not be what it is without the talent and passion of each person who contributed.

Thank you also to our local partners and sponsors, especially Tela Marine, Caribbean Reef Guardians, Stanley 1913, Hidden Compass, and Ocean Culture Life, who live this message out loud and/or work to amplify it’s impact every single day.