International Ocean Film Festival

The 22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival has been endorsed by the 2021-2030 United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Join us on April 11-13, 2025 for the world’s largest ocean themed film festival around the globe.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, April 11, 2025

Program #1 Deep Sea Exploration

4:00 PM @ Cowell Theater - Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture

Peixinho (Little Fish)

Right next door to surfing mecca South Africa, Mozambique is a stark contrast. Most of the inhabitants of Peixinho’s (little fish) village don’t even know how to swim, despite depending on the sea for their livelihoods. Our young hero is determined to change that and restore the fishing economy. - KH

SOULS

Rarely do you get six world renowned ocean legends in the same room and on the same panel, but suggest a dive trip and they will be on that boat.  Inspiring stories from award-winning underwater photographers on their first experience diving into the ocean, changes they have seen in their lifetime, and yet, they remain hopeful for future generations. – AB

Defend The Deep

Filmakers Liz Rubin and Richard Charter bring us stunning images of deep sea creatures while making compelling reasons to preserve our ocean floors and deep sea ecosystems by halting the new extractive industry practice of deep seabed mining. Ecological and spiritual connections with the deep ocean are highlighted, as well as offering viable solutions to the perceived need to mine rare metals. – LG

Ocean Watch - A Story of Deep Sea Exploration

The state-of-the-art research vessel, R/V Falkor (too), is a beacon of modern oceanographic exploration. Equipped with leading-edge technology and an advanced deep-sea robot, it’s your gateway to witnessing the uncharted wonders of Earth’s most enigmatic environment. Experience the thrill of discovery as leading researchers unveil groundbreaking findings from their latest scientific expeditions that are illuminating a world beyond imagination. – BB

Program #2 - The Power of One Person

7pm @ Cowell Theater - Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture

Wild Hope: Whale Shark Homecoming

Watch as a fishing community in Gujarat, India embraces a cultural shift and initiates local conservation efforts to protect whale sharks after years killing thousands of the world’s largest fish. The documentary highlights whale shark slaughter in 2001. An NGO, a local religious leader named Morari Bapur, and Indian law inspire locals to pivot and rally around local pride protecting and honoring whale sharks rather than killing them. – SP

Turtle Walker

Satish Bhaskar, Indian explorer, has dedicated his life to the study of sea turtles. He shares his discoveries along with some unexpected revelations along the way. Bhaskar’s life is a testament that one man’s pursuit can lastingly impact an entire nation. His dedication has laid the groundwork for sea turtle research in India today. Let Bhaskir’s captivating life story unfold, from his heart to yours. – JA

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Date: April 11-13, 2025