Shot on Iphone 'THE REEF' Explained By Director Sven Dreesbach

Sven Dreesbach, The Director of ‘The Reef’ Shot On Iphone, shares a little bit of the Maldives experience with the MVHOTELS.Travel. He is also one of the editors & cinematographers of the Apple commissioned movie shot in the Maldives.

THE REEF was created by the devoted team of crews along with Maldives Whale Shark Research Program. MWSRP has been recording whale shark encounters in the South Ari Atoll region for over 10 years and part of their research is Whale Sharks. As an organisation MWSRP’s objective is to promote community-focused conservation initiatives and help the motives and raise money for the planned activities while encouraging and educating others.

1- What was your Maldives experience like? Was it your first time?

It was my first time. I met wonderful people and had a great time, particularly as I was on an exciting mission joining the research team.

2- How much of an advantage would it be to the destination Maldives, to be featured on the Apple’s #ShotoniPhone campaign?

I guess Apple’s reach is great for anyone being featured, Shot On Iphone, particularly for the Maldives as a potential travel destination for tourists. I am sure people will be interested finding out more about whale sharks and marine wildlife in the Maldives, thanks to Apple.

My name is Sven Dreesbach, film maker from Germany residing in Los Angeles, California. My work has taken me to places. I grew up traveling a lot with my family, so I am an explorer of new things for the most part.
Sven Dreesbach

3- How was Maldives chosen as a destination for this Apple commissioned video?

Apple chose to portrait the MWSRP due to their work in iOS app development.

4- Maldives is as we know an amazing destination to create contents? Any specific projects or ideas which you would love to contribute for video production?

The South Ari atoll of the Maldives, which i had the pleasure of traveling to, was definitely one of the most unique destinations I ever experienced. Being so remote from the next city, most of the life here happens around the reefs.

Not necessarily above, but rather under water it is where a plethora of wild life welcomes their visitors.

The island culture, traditions and history of the Maldive people would be an interesting subject to explore sometime as well as the local surf scene, being a surfer myself. Still bummed I didn’t have time to check out the northern atolls, that have a rich surf scene I hear.

Creative eye of Director Sven Dreesbach and Carglos Vargus, the team used Beastgrip Pro incorproated with the Pro Series 3X Tele Conversation Lens and 0.75X Wide Angle Lens as well as the DOF MK2 Adapter. AxisGo Water Housing were used in underwater Shots. Both the native capaera app and FILMiC Pro were used to shoot the whole project.

This was not the first #shotoniphone project by Sven.

The article was originally published in FIYA Magazine, Issue 10, Published by MVHOTELS.

COMO Cocoa Island has just appointed Federico Tidu as its new Executive Chef. With years of experience in some of the world’s best Michelin-starred kitchens and luxury resorts, Chef Tidu brings a wealth of culinary expertise. His arrival promises an exciting shift in the resort’s dining scene, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Chef Tidu grew up on the Italian island of Sardinia, where his love for food began at the age of 13. Surrounded by the island’s vibrant food culture, he quickly developed a passion for cooking, particularly with local ingredients that continue to inspire his dishes today.

In 2022, Chef Tidu received the Chef Hat Award from the Australian Good Food Guide during his time at Jonah’s Restaurant in Australia. The award is a mark of culinary excellence, given to chefs who excel in all aspects of the dining experience—taste, presentation, and technique. This recognition highlights Chef Tidu’s commitment to creating unforgettable meals that stay with diners long after they leave the table.

A Focus on Fresh, Local Ingredients

At COMO Cocoa Island, Chef Tidu is in charge of Ufaa, the resort’s signature restaurant. The menu at Ufaa is a unique fusion of Mediterranean influences and the fresh, local flavors of the Maldives. Each day, the menu changes to highlight the best of the region’s seasonal ingredients, particularly the seafood that the Maldives is known for.

The philosophy at COMO Hotels and Resorts has always centered on creating meals that nourish both the body and the soul. Chef Tidu’s approach aligns perfectly with this ethos. His focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients and dishes that are both innovative and rooted in tradition will no doubt elevate the dining experience at COMO Cocoa Island. Guests can look forward to a dining journey that’s as exciting as it is delicious.

As part of COMO Hotels and Resorts’ dedication to bringing wellness into every meal, the brand has also released a cookbook, COMO Simple. Compiled by Mrs. Christina Ong, the brand’s founder, and the resort’s chefs, the book features over 30 recipes from around the world. These easy-to-follow recipes celebrate COMO’s approach to healthy, nourishing food, offering anyone the chance to recreate the COMO dining experience at home.

With Chef Tidu now leading the way, COMO Cocoa Island is ready to offer guests an unforgettable culinary experience that brings together the best of Mediterranean cuisine and the freshest Maldivian ingredients.

Shot on Iphone 'THE REEF' Explained By Director Sven Dreesbach

1- What was your Maldives experience like? Was it your first time?

2- How much of an advantage would it be to the destination Maldives, to be featured on the Apple’s #ShotoniPhone campaign?

3- How was Maldives chosen as a destination for this Apple commissioned video?

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A Focus on Fresh, Local Ingredients