In the 45th edition, San Sebastian received a special visit from Bernard Delemotte, marine operations engineer, diving director and underwater filmmaker and cameraman, who was the companion of commander Jacques Cousteau for twenty years on board the Calypso. We had the opportunity to meet him when he attended the inauguration in 2001 of the square above the Aquarium in San Sebastian, which since then has borne the name of the famous captain of the Calypso. This tribute to Commander Cousteau was promoted by the City Council and the San Sebastian International Underwater Film Series, which was celebrating its 25th edition.
Unfortunately, in January 2023, we received the sad news of the death of Bernard Delemotte. Rest in Peace Bernard.
In the 2021 edition of CIMASUB, we were lucky enough to contact him, where he left us these beautiful words.
It has been very emotional for me to meet you all at this 45th edition of CIMASUB to present the Francisco Pizarro Award. It has been a great honour and a real pleasure to return to this festival that has given me so much satisfaction.
Francisco, a person I have always admired for his hard work in making people discover and love the underwater world through the selection of the best films shot under the sea. Paco always worked to make people love the sea, as a true companion of commander J.Y. Cousteau.
This Festival was born in 1975 thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of a group of divers from the underwater activities section of the Real Sociedad de Fútbol led by Francisco Pizarro, who continued with the work he himself started, and continues to be a world reference in the sector. But all this work would not have been possible without the unconditional support of his wife Gina and his wonderful family.
I would like to thank those responsible for CIMASUB for creating this award and also for giving me the opportunity to once again honour my friend Francisco Pizarro by presenting today the award that bears his name to Jorge Candán and Pilar Barros for the invaluable contribution they have made to this festival over the years. Congratulations Mr. Jorge Candán and Mrs. Pilar Barros, and thank you for your patience.
Thanks again Paco for having run this festival for so many years and for having made it so famous, and many thanks to David Sánchez and all his team at CIMASUB for the kind, warm and professional treatment they have always given me.
Bernard Delemotte.
