Seven local speakers talk ocean, crime, identity
PechaKucha Night Bermuda returns on Friday, November 6, for Volume 39, bringing together an eclectic group of local voices and perspectives for an evening of thought-provoking ideas, personal stories and creative exploration.
Under the banner of Short, Dynamic, Diverse Presentations, this edition promises exactly that: a fast-paced programme of engaging talks spanning ocean conservation, criminology, identity, equality, entrepreneurship, music, culture and human anatomy.
Held at the Blue Waters Anglers Club on East Broadway, this free event invites the community to discover new ideas, challenge assumptions and connect with people and subjects they might not otherwise encounter. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with presentations beginning at 7:00 pm. Food will also be available from Tasty28 Asian & Local Kitchen.
PechaKucha, meaning “chit-chat” in Japanese, is an internationally recognised presentation format built around 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds. This unique 20×20 format encourages speakers to communicate their ideas through concise, visual storytelling, creating an energetic evening where no two presentations are alike.
Seven presentations. Seven different perspectives.
Volume 39 features an exciting line-up of presenters, each bringing a distinct perspective and a story worth hearing.
Dr. Alexandra (Alex) Amat — The Ocean Has No Voice. We Do.
An oceanographer, educator and conservation advocate who has called Bermuda home for 25 years, Dr. Alex Amat is the Ocean Education Lead at the Bermuda Zoological Society and founder of Blue Backyard. Drawing on more than two decades of experience connecting people with the sea, Dr. Alex explores her personal journey from ocean scientist to educator and the importance of building a meaningful relationship with our marine environment. Her presentation asks what is at stake as our oceans change, and why finding our collective voice is essential to shaping their future.
Dr. Emily Ross — Boys Will Be Boys: Crime Talk and the Patriarchy
Holding a DPhil in Criminology from the University of Oxford, Dr. Emily Ross brings an academic perspective to one of society’s most challenging conversations. Her doctoral research examined responses to gang violence in Bermuda and the relationship between identity and crime discourse. Currently Chair of the Bermuda Parole Board, she will explore how patriarchy manifests itself in the way we talk about violence, the assumptions embedded in phrases such as “boys will be boys”, and the wider implications of the language we use to understand crime and masculinity.
Dr. Augustine (Gus) Tanner-Ihm — The Gay Agenda: Save Humanity, Then Brunch.
What if the so-called “gay agenda” wasn’t about destroying society, but actually about saving it? American-born organisational psychologist, theologian and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, racial justice and inclusive leadership. Drawing on his experiences as a Black gay man, Gus will use humour, provocative honesty and a little theological mischief to challenge cultural myths and explore what LGBTQ+ communities can teach us about courage, belonging, resilience and the radical power of love. Expect laughter, uncomfortable truths and perhaps a few sacred cows being challenged.
Zach Wilson — The Art of the Possible: Turning Vision into Impact
Inspired by this year’s Lumina Festival theme, Zach Wilson explores the journey of bringing the festival to life despite significant challenges, limited resources and unexpected setbacks. The presentation looks beyond the event itself to examine how music, culture and financial education can become vehicles for meaningful social change. Through initiatives including The Playbook and the Financial Literacy Summit, the Lumina Festival is developing a sustainable social enterprise model in which commercial ventures help fund positive community impact. Ultimately, it is a story about resilience, believing in a vision against the odds and discovering what becomes possible when purpose meets perseverance.
Tara Sapien — Haunting Season
Could Bermuda’s autumn become one of its most compelling cultural and economic seasons? Multi-faceted social entrepreneur and creative Tara Sapien presents a cultural and economic viability assessment of Bermuda’s fall season potential. Exploring the opportunities to build on the island’s distinctive character, creative community and cultural offerings, her presentation invites audiences to reconsider what Bermuda’s shoulder season could become and how a more vibrant autumn calendar might generate lasting cultural and economic value.
Joshua Powell — To the Beat
Music has the power to change a room, bring people together and take us on a journey without saying a single word. In To the Beat, Joshua Powell explores the art of DJing and the often-underestimated skill behind creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Through intentional music selection, timing and an understanding of energy, he examines how a DJ can guide a crowd through an experience on the dancefloor. A celebration of music, connection and the art of reading the room.
Michael Watson — The Journey of a Breath: What the Diaphragm Can Teach Us About
Change, Connection and Belonging
What can a single breath reveal about being human? Structural Integration practitioner and Anatomy Trains educator Michael Watson takes audiences on an evocative visual journey through the diaphragm, exploring its development, its role in everyday life and its relationship to movement, sensation and human experience. Through images of beginnings, effort, tenderness and connection, Michael considers how we gather inward, open outward and remain connected through change. His presentation offers a gentle invitation to pause, notice and find room to breathe as life unfolds.
An evening of ideas and connection
From the changing health of our oceans to the language surrounding violence, from challenging stereotypes to building sustainable social enterprises, Volume 39 reflects the diversity of ideas, experiences and ambitions that make Bermuda such an interesting place.
PechaKucha is about creating a space where people can share something they are passionate about, introduce an idea or perspective that challenges the way we think, and connect with an audience in a way that is accessible, entertaining and inspiring. The beauty of the format is that you never quite know what you’re going to learn next.
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy drinks at the BWAC bar or food from Tasty28 Asian & Local Kitchen and settle in for an evening of diverse presentations and conversation.
In addition to the in-person event, live streaming will be available on YouTube courtesy of STE and JROC Communications: https://www.youtube.com/@JROCBDA
Special thanks to sponsors and supporters Blue Water Anglers Club, JROC Communications, Spanish Town Entertainment, and Appleby.
PechaKucha Bermuda is a volunteer-run community event that gives space to local voices and celebrates the art of concise storytelling. The event brings together artists, thinkers, professionals, advocates, and community members to share ideas in an engaging, visual, and accessible format.
For more information and event updates, visit www.pechakucha.com/communities/bermuda or follow PechaKucha Bermuda on social media.
EVENT DETAILS
What: PechaKucha Night Bermuda — Volume 39
Theme: Short, Dynamic, Diverse Presentations
When: Friday, November 6, 2026
Where: Blue Waters Anglers Club, East Broadway, Bermuda
Doors Open: 6:30 pm
Presentations Start: 7:00 pm
Admission: Free
Food: Available from Tasty28 Asian & Local Kitchen
Bar: proceeds support Blue Waters Anglers Club junior fishing programmes
