2025 Ethos of Exploration

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Note: Hidden Compass Allies receive perks, including free access to all events, the opportunity to select Pathfinder Prize winners, exclusive dispatches from expeditions, and invitations to VIP get-togethers. Learn more about Hidden Compass: The Alliance, and become an Ally.

Hidden Compass is proud to present “The Rebel Reef,” the world-wide premiere of the short documentary film by the winners of our third annual Pathfinder Prize — an $18,000 grant to fund a global expedition in an age when discovery is about understanding instead of conquering. We will also be announcing the winners of the 2026 Pathfinder Prize, chosen by our Allies — members of Hidden Compass: The Alliance — who cast their votes in the weeks leading up to the event.

Earlier this year, expedition leader and local divemaster “Aquaman” Christian Carias, and a team of scientists, filmmakers, and explorers journeyed beneath the waves in Tela, Honduras — a beach town where the corals defy the odds and give us reasons to believe.

The reef’s story will be told from the perspective of a Honduran who wants to share the magic of this rare treasure with those who live along its shores. This December, he’ll to bring the reef to them — and to you.

On Saturday, December 6, at the New Parkway Theater in Oakland, California, join the Hidden Compass co-founders, Sivani Babu and Sabine K. Bergmann, for the in-person premiere of the short documentary, “The Rebel Reef.” The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the filmmakers, an immersive VR dive experience, a live violin performance by Emmy-nominated composer Chad Cannon, and reception with the Pathfinders. At the event, we’ll announce the winners of our 2026 Pathfinder Prize, and our 2025 expeditioners will pass the compass.

Hidden Compass Allies receive free admission as well as a surprise gift celebrating the premiere — check your email for individual registration code and select “Alliance Member” as your ticket option.

Learn more about Hidden Compass: The Alliance, and join us to become a defender of science, history, journalism, and hope.

As we stood over Los Micos Lagoon, at the point where the lagoon waters meet the sea, just as the sun set over the mountains, Christian put his arm around me, and said with his characteristic, charismatic smile: “How can you not be proud of this?!”

— Tiff Duong, Executive Producer

Bios

Christian Carias is a divemaster in Tela, Honduras, who served as the expedition’s leader.

Tiffany Duong is an award-winning storyteller and journalist, who served as the expedition’s executive producer.

Brynne Rardin is an award-winning underwater filmmaker, drone pilot, and divemaster, who served as the expedition’s director.

Dr. Joseph Henry is a coral reef ecologist and science communicator, who served as the expedition’s VR director and underwater videographer.

Vinh Pham is a photographer and videographer, who served as the expedition’s photographer, videographer, and drone pilot.

Senyacen Ramirez is a biologist and the lead aquarist at Tela Marine aquarium, who served as one of the expedition’s biologists.

Antal Borcsok discovered the Rebel Reef and is the owner of Tela Marine aquarium. He served as the expedition’s dive shop partner.

Chad Cannon is an Emmy-nominated composer, violinist, arranger, and orchestrator, who composed the expedition’s film score while on location in Tela, Honduras.