"The Last Dive": A man with a troubled past befriends a giant manta in troubled waters.
In the annals of scuba folklore, Terry Kennedy stands tall as a legendary figure–a Navy Seal, Hells Angel, and the first ever human to ride a giant manta ray.
For two extraordinary decades, Terry shared an unbreakable bond with a two-ton manta named Willy. They embarked on countless underwater adventures together and explored the breathtaking Sea of Cortez. Terry went on to say that Willy saved his life.
A handful of our team crammed onto a small boat to join Terry on one ‘last dive’ in search of his beloved companion Willy. It was a surreal experience to document Terry’s emotional journey, and it culminated in a final shoot that would forever etch itself in our memories.
Director Cody Sheehy and Terry first met at a remote anchorage in the Baja, and Terry started telling Cody about his ‘secret’ dive spots; seamounts where marine life still thrived like before fishing decimated most of the sea. They became fast friends and would bond over drinks, taking turns sharing sailing tales and talking adventure on the open ocean. To authentically capture their relationship, we arranged for Terry’s final interview in an ambient bar in Tucson, Arizona: a place far from mantas, yet close to Cody's heart.
The shoot spanned a mere three days but quickly became a transformative bonding experience for our crew.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Arizona desert, we gathered under the breathtaking sunset, sharing diving stories that sparked laughter and wonder. Terry's tales stood out, leaving us in awe of his extraordinary experiences.
The shoot had an unexpected twist; Cody, our director, sat down in front of the camera to reflect on the cruising life and Terry took the opportunity to surprise him with a gift.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Terry approached Cody and placed a golden manta ray necklace around his neck. The moment unfolded so swiftly that our behind-the-scenes photographer couldn't capture it. However, the cameras were rolling, and we hold out hope that this poignant gesture will grace the final cut of the film.
Our final evening, we discovered that our assistant camera operator, Eddie, didn't know how to swim. Terry stripped down to his underwear to dive into the pool, eager to teach Eddie. “NO”, we shouted, trying to reach Terry through his faulty hearing aids, for the water was far too shallow for diving. Despite our protests, he dove in. He was immediately in his element. Though he was the oldest of us, he was by far the most agile. He swam with grace; his teaching was inspired and patient. We were honored to watch him impart his wisdom to the next generation. Eddie emerged an hour later a convincingly proficient swimmer.
Through this expedition, we not only documented Terry's extraordinary friendship with Willy, but we also witnessed the enduring power of human connection. The journey was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the beauty of the natural world, and the unwavering bond between man and animal.
Stay tuned for more info about The Last Dive, now in post-production. This film, in the tradition of "Grizzly Man", "My Octopus Teacher", and "The Cove", explores how humans and animals relate, both through violence and friendship. Terry’s search for his old friend reveals a highly intelligent species, a little seen underwater kingdom, and the fascinating duality of violence and kinship that underpins life on Earth.
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