Diving for Rays follows the story of Nicole Morris, who since she was young has aspired to be a marine conservationist. Growing up in San Diego, she spent her childhood among the creatures of the sea - her favorite being rays. The ocean became her place of healing, especially when she realized she was queer. But the more she discovered who she was, the less she saw herself in the career as a queer woman. Years later, she realized that she owed it to herself to become what she couldn't see. She shares her story of taking her first steps in chasing her dreams by getting scuba certified, and along the way, we learn how the lack of LGBTQ+ in marine science can have a devastating impact on aspiring conservationists.

Diving for Rays is Angel Morris' and Nova West's first independent film together. The film was shot and edited in early 2022, utilizing grants from Sony, Ocean Culture Life, and community contributions. Diving for Rays has been screened for the Corps of Exploration with Dr. Robert Ballard and National Geographic Society scientists aboard the E/V Nautilus, the San Diego Environmental Film Festival in November 2022, and The Video Consortium in 2023. Diving for Rays is currently available to stream on WaterBear Network.

Featured in The Guardian article "From Indiana Jones to Wham!: a complete guide to this week’s entertainment".

SHORTS

LOVE BIRDS

DIVING FOR RAYS

SYMBEEOSIS