One Breath Deep Productions, Chicago, IL (2025)

09/04/2025

Every waterway (ocean, river, stream, pond, lake, etc) is connected. Every human needs water to survive, and in this essential way, like our waterways, we too are all connected.

Our relationship to the water that sustains our life is an essential element that is often forgotten in conversations about ocean conservation and climate change.

In our new film, The Element, we are changing the conversation by exploring stories of modern day mermaids who are protecting the oceans by healing our relationship to it through art, education, and experience.

08/28/2025

The Element is a cinematic mosaic. This documentary feature is an immersive journey into saltwater, story, and the souls of those who live in deep relationship with the sea.

Shot across all 7 continents, the film moves through a series of character-driven portraits that reimagine ocean conservation not as a campaign, but as a calling.

Unlike conventional environmental documentaries that rely on data and catastrophe, The Element is built on intimacy, beauty and myth. It does not aim to shock viewers into action, but to soften the distance between the human body and the body of water.

It is a return to something ancient: a felt connection with the ocean, and a reawakening of our role as its kin.

Film description for our fabulous producer and stills from the film so far shot by and

Stay tuned for updates on the film as we prepare to move into our next phase of production!

08/04/2025

We are SO excited to announce that our first film, 🌊Breath of Life: El León🦁 has been accepted at the Dana Point Film Festival! 🥳📽️

We want to extend an enormous thank you to everyone who was a part of this journey: for your camera magic, and for bringing the world to life with music and sound, .katsihtis.color for making the film sparkle with beautiful color.

Endless love and enormous thanks goes to and for welcoming us into your world with trust and open hearts. It was the greatest gift to be a small part of your story.

If you're in the LA area October 10-12th, come to the festival and show your support! Stay tuned for details on the screening time and Q&A with director Dara and producer Allison 🎤
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07/28/2025

What do mermaids have to do with conservation?

Mermaids have appeared in mythology in cultures all over the world since as early as Ancient Assyria in 1000 BC.

We often think of mermaids as temptresses, sirens, captors or prey, but in many of these myths mermaids are protectors of the oceans and waterways. They are the original conservationists.

🤒 A sick planet is inseparable from a sick culture.

We spend a lot of time and energy talking about paper straws, electric cars, solar panels, but maybe the missing piece of the puzzle is not another innovation but instead a healing and deepening of relationship with the planet that we cannot live without.

What would it look like to live in healthy relationship with the planet? We look to the mermaids, old and new, to find out.

This is the heart of 🌊The Element 🔥, a feature documentary exploring the mythological and modern day mermaids showing us how to live in relationship with our waterways.
💙

03/06/2025

Breaking Barriers in Freediving: Meet Alexander Kusakin

Alexander Kusakin is a record-breaking force redefining what’s possible in the underwater world. Since 2021, he has competed at the highest levels, earning his place on both the Moscow City and Russian National Underwater Sports Teams.

But 2024 was a game-changer. At the CMAS 8th World Championship Freediving Depth in Kalamata, Greece, Alexander shattered expectations and set four para freediving world records—including an awe-inspiring 61-meter Free Immersion (FIM) dive. His dedication, resilience, and unwavering passion make him a legend in the making. 🏆

Now, One Breath Productions is set to feature Alexander’s journey in the third episode of Breath of Life.

🚨 What drives Alexander to push beyond limits?
🚨 How does he mentally and physically prepare for record-breaking dives?
🚨 What’s next for this extraordinary athlete?

👉 Stay tuned—this is a story of courage, perseverance, and the depths of human potential you won’t want to miss.

Follow us for updates as we dive deeper into Alexander’s world!

03/05/2025

On one breath, our journey continues...

Why One Breath? When we film, we are freediving—no scuba equipment, just us and our subjects, capturing every moment on a single breath. 🐠📹

Every frame, every breathtaking moment you see in Breath of Life was captured with just one deep breath, a camera, and pure connection to the underwater world.

🌊 El León is just the beginning. Every upcoming episode in this series will be filmed entirely on breath-hold.

We’re so excited to dive deeper with Chapter 2: The Element, but we need your help to make it happen!

GoFundMe link in bio

Every share, donation, and word of encouragement fuels our mission to bring powerful ocean stories to life—one breath at a time. 🌬️💙

🎬✨ Stay tuned as we capture the underwater world—one breath at a time.

#🎬

01/17/2025

🎬✨ Virtual Premiere: El León ✨🎬

Join us for the virtual screening of Breath of Life – Episode 1: El León from the comfort of your own home!

Event includes a live Q&A with the filmmakers and Andrés León.

📅 Date: January 23, 2025
⏰ Time: 7 PM CST | 8 PM EST | 5 PM PT
🎟️ Tickets: Free event - Donation optional. Secure yours through the link in bio to join the live event and enjoy on-demand access for 7 days.

🌊 About the Film:
El León follows the story of Andrés León. As León grapples with his mom’s terminal diagnosis, he discovers an unexpected lifeline in the depths of the ocean – freediving. On his journey to become Costa Rica’s first freediving national record holder, León finds grounding, gratitude, and purpose in the depths of himself.

Don’t miss this powerful story of courage and connection. Reserve your spot now!

Link in bio.

01/07/2025

The wait is over Quepos!

Screening of Breath of Life – Episode 1: El León 🎬

📅 Date: January 26, 2025
📍 Location: MARINA PEZ VELA
⏰ Time: 6:45 PM

El León follows the story of Andrés León. As León grapples with his mom’s terminal diagnosis, he discovers an unexpected lifeline in the depths of the ocean – freediving. On his journey to become Costa Rica’s first freediving national record holder, León finds grounding, gratitude and purpose in the depths of himself.

🎥 What to Expect:
An evening filled with inspiring storytelling, breathtaking cinema and a Q&A after the film with the filmmakers and Andrés León.

🎟️ Admission: Free—no tickets required. Just show up and enjoy!

#🇨🇷 🇨🇷

01/03/2025

🎬✨ Virtual Premiere: El León ✨🎬

Join us for the virtual screening of Breath of Life – Episode 1: El León from the comfort of your own home!

Event includes a live Q&A with the filmmakers and Andrés León.

📅 Date: January 23, 2025
⏰ Time: 7 PM CST | 8 PM EST | 5 PM PT
🎟️ Tickets: Free event - Donation optional. Secure yours through the link in bio to join the live event and enjoy on-demand access for 7 days.

🌊 About the Film:
El León follows the story of Andrés León. As León grapples with his mom’s terminal diagnosis, he discovers an unexpected lifeline in the depths of the ocean – freediving. On his journey to become Costa Rica’s first freediving national record holder, León finds grounding, gratitude, and purpose in the depths of himself.

Don’t miss this powerful story of courage and connection. Reserve your spot now!

Link in bio.

12/30/2024

The wait is over Potrero!

Premiere of Breath of Life – Episode 1: El León 🌊

📅 Date: January 22, 2025
📍 Location: Potrero Brewery
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM

El León follows the story of Andrés León. As León grapples with his mom’s terminal diagnosis, he discovers an unexpected lifeline in the depths of the ocean – freediving. On his journey to become Costa Rica’s first freediving national record holder, León finds grounding, gratitude, and purpose in the depths of himself.

🎥 What to Expect:
An evening filled with inspiring storytelling, breathtaking cinema and the vibrant energy of the Potrero community.

🎟️ Admission: Free—no tickets required. Just show up and enjoy!

🇨🇷

12/24/2024

As the year draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a season filled with renewal, rest, and peace. Whether you celebrate through quiet reflection, joyous gatherings, or time spent in nature, may this be a moment to reconnect with what matters most.

At One Breath Deep Productions, our deepest wish is that this season inspires all of us to renew our connection to the natural world.

So that we are reminded how interconnected all life is. 🌊💙

We’re so grateful for your support and the incredible community we are building together. As we look ahead, we’re filled with excitement to share stories and inspirations in the year to come.

Until then, let’s take a collective deep breath, honor the beauty around us, and the joy found in life’s simplest treasures.

With love and gratitude,
Dara & Allison

12/14/2024

A Million Shades of Blue 💙

Have you ever noticed the endless shades of blue underwater? From the pale cerulean glow at the surface to the inky, mysterious depths of the ocean, each dive is a journey through an ever-changing masterpiece of color.

Freediving allows us to witness this spectrum in its purest form—where the light dances, refracts, and fades as we descend.

Each layer of blue tells a story:
🌊 The shimmering turquoise of shallow waters speaks of life and vibrancy.
🌊 The rich sapphire hues beckon with the call of exploration.
🌊 The deep, velvety navy reminds us of the ocean’s mystery and power.

As freedivers, we become part of the blues, moving in harmony with the rhythm of the water.

What’s your favorite shade of blue, and where have you seen it? Let us know in the comments!

One Breath Deep Productions

09/04/2025

08/28/2025

08/04/2025

07/28/2025

03/06/2025

03/05/2025

01/17/2025

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