21st Annual International Ocean Film Festival Pregram
The International Ocean Film Foundation is delighted to announce that our 21st annual film festival will be making waves April 12-14 at the picturesque Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture! This can’t-miss experience will transport you to the depths of aquatic ecosystems, send you cruising through the waves, and allow you to swim with the most beloved ocean creatures. Our 30+ spectacular films encapsulate how we can protect, restore, and celebrate the ocean for generations to come. Join us this April to see these groundbreaking films, plus the opportunity to mingle with filmmakers, ocean experts, and other enthusiasts (like yourself!) at the Opening Night Film, Panel Discussions, and other yet-to-be-announced experiences!
21ST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL OCEANAPRIL 12-14, 2024 FILM FESTIVAL COWELL THEATER FORT MASON CENTER FOR ARTS & CULTURE | SAN FRANCISCO INTLOCEANFILMFEST.ORG
SPONSORS SILVER LEVEL BRONZE LEVEL PLATINUM LEVEL COPPER LEVEL HOTEL SPONSORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Niquole Esters, President Seve Ghose Dr. Dayne Buddo, Vice-President Kristine Severson Maggie Sidell, Secretary Ken Wu Olivier Jorda, Treasurer Ana Blanco, Executive Director 2024 PLANNING COMMITTEE Jana Ašenbrennerová, Photographer Natasha Benjamin, Community Engagement Hailey de la Vara, Social Media Niquole Esters, Co-Chair, Volunteer Committee Ryan Farley, Social Media Ivy Haxo, Community Engagement Niam Itani, Student Film Competition Karmen Johnson, Off the Reef Bene昀椀t Auction Malia Lake, Student Film Competition Jeff Mancari, Social Media Ali Nill, Off the Reef Bene昀椀t Auction Caitlin Ryan, Ocean Heroes Allison Slingluff, Off the Reef Bene昀椀t Auction Jennifer Stock, Student Film Competition Matthew Tominaga, Graphic Designer, Photographer Ken Wu, Co-Chair, Volunteer Committee Wendy Yeh, Off the Reef Bene昀椀t Auction Elaine You, Off the Reef Bene昀椀t Auction STAFF Ana Blanco, Executive Director Thembi Nkosi, Film Festival Assistant Rebekah Renee, Festival Operations Manager 2 21ST ANNUAL
WELCOME Welcome to the 21st Annual International Ocean Film Festival! Thank you for joining us! It’s been a banner year for the IOFF which is not something I would have anticipated saying a mere three years ago prior to the global pandemic. Over the last three years, our audience participation has steadily increased and we continue to see new audiences of all ages. In 2023, we became the International Ocean Film Foundation to better re昀氀ect the year-round ocean conservation efforts that make up our 昀椀ve pillars of our education programs. In July of 2023, the 昀椀lm festival was approved by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, for being an event that exempli昀椀es their motto The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want. This year we experienced a record number of 昀椀lm submissions, representing more than 40 countries, presenting a daunting task for our screening committee. Needless to say it was a challenge, but we believe we’ve curated the best possible mix of 昀椀lms and subject matter to truly celebrate all things ocean. We are often asked how the festival continues to deliver world-class 昀椀lms in a three-day event that encompasses more than just 昀椀lm? My answer is always simple: it’s the dedication and passion of so many ocean-loving volunteers—40 throughout the season and another 110+ on site during the three-day event. Many of our volunteers have an average of 7-9 years as volunteers and we are always looking for more people to join our compassionate and inclusive ocean community. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors, donors, special guests and amazing 昀椀lmmakers for helping to make this year’s 昀椀lm festival a very special occasion. With their continued support and with audiences like you over the last 21 years, the IOFF is able to ful昀椀ll its mission of being the global platform for ocean education and literacy through independent 昀椀lm. We hope you enjoy this amazing three-day journey with us, For our oceans, For our oceans, Ana Blanco Executive Director INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 3
TICKETS & PASSES COWELL THEATER * Visit www.intlocean昀椀lmfest.org to purchase tickets or passes * INDIVIDUAL FILM PROGRAM Adult: $25 • Senior (65+): $20 • Child (12 & Younger): $10 Skip waiting in line! Purchase a Festival Pass! WEEKEND PASS: $250 Access to Programs 3-9, All Panel Discussion VIP Seating, Saturday Surf Night Party (21+ only), Priority Entry line VIP SATURDAY PASS: $200 Access to Programs 3-6, All Panel Discussion VIP Seating, Saturday Surf Night Party (21+ only), Priority Entry line ADULT VIP SUNDAY PASS: $50 Access to Programs 7-9, Panel Discussion VIP Seating (4/14) Adult: $50 • Senior (65+): $40, Priority Entry line SENIOR VIP SUNDAY PASS: $40 Access to Programs 7-9, Panel Discussion VIP Seating (4/14) Adult: $50 • Senior (65+): $40, Priority Entry line SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER PRICES Adult $14 • Seniors/Youth $10.50 • CAFILM Members $8.50 VENUES Cowell Theater Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, San Francisco, CA Tidepool (The Store House, Building D) Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, San Francisco, CA Smith Rafael Film Center 1118 - 4th Street, San Rafael, CA NO FOOD/DRINKS ALLOWED IN THE THEATER. WATER OK.
ST 21 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL Welcome 3 2024 Festival Calendar Smith Rafael Film Center Thursday, April 4, 2024 | 7:30 PM 6 Opening Night 7 Cowell Theater Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Friday, April 12, 2024 Programs 1-2 8 Saturday, April 13, 2024 Programs 3-6 12 Sunday, April 14, 2024 Programs 7-9 20 Panel Discussions 28 Alpha List 30 Ocean Champions 33 th 18 Annual Free Student Education Program 34 th 13 Annual Student Film Competition 35 Ocean Heroes 36 In-Kind Donations 37 INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 5
2024 FESTIVAL - ADVANCED SCREENING SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024 | 7:00 PM Expedition Amana World Premiere | 2024 Golden Gate Award Mason Le*, Kai Smith, Julian Goodman & Niki Wallin | USA | 3 min Japanese explorer Jin Ishikawa has a question: Could ancient Californians, pre-dating the Polynesian arrival in Hawaii, have traversed the Paci昀椀c from what is now Northern California to Hawaii using boats made of natural materials? Jin seeks to test his theory by sailing a prototypical boat constructed of tule reeds with the goal of sailing from San Francisco to Hawaii. —ST Blue Whales: Return of the Giants Hugh Pearson | UK | 45 min Join whale scientist, Diane Gendron, as she 昀椀nds new hope for the blue whales of Mexico’s Gulf of California. Using low-and high-tech methods she measures and monitors the health of this breeding population that, after 30 years of study, she considers family. Across the globe in the Indian Ocean, another population of blues reappears, after an absence of over 50 years. What will their story be? —MJS 6 21ST ANNUAL
OPENING NIGHT Friday, April 12, 2024 | 7:00 PM Doors open at 6:30 PM Join us for a special evening as we kick-off the 21st Annual International Ocean Film Festival. Blue Carbon: Nature’s Hidden Power World Premiere Presented by the International Ocean Film Foundation in partnership with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios Preceded by Deep Trouble Film screening to be followed by Filmmaker Q&A session OPENING NIGHT FILM ONLY Adult: $30 • Senior (65+): $25 • Child (12 & Younger): $10 Deep Trouble Blue Carbon: Nature’s Hidden Power INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 7
2024 FESTIVAL PROGRAM FORT MASON CENTER FOR ARTS & CULTURE FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024 PROGRAM 1 4:00 pm Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Sequoias of the Sea Natasha Benjamin* & Ana Blanco* | USA | 14 min Kelp stalks—or stipes—can grow a foot a day to reach up to 175 feet, and until recently their underwater forests could be found in abundance along the shores of Northern California. But, after a wasting disease killed off the sun昀氀ower sea stars, the population of purple sea urchins exploded, and kelp is high on these invertebrates’ diet. Today, divers are clearing places free of urchins so that kelp can return. —KH 8 21ST ANNUAL
Active Anilao Bay Area Premiere Walter Marti* | USA | 5 min This is a short 昀椀lm capturing the lively underwater world of the Philippines’ Anilao region. Experience the dynamic scenes beneath the waves with exceptional close-up photography and you will 昀椀nd out how the “sexy shrimp” got its name. —PH The Passage World Premiere Boogs Rosales | Philippines | 20 min Celebrated as “the center of the center of the universe” of marine biodiversity, the Verde Island Passage is considered by many to be the most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth. How the global pandemic affected this pristine location is the discussion of scientists, conservationists, tourism representatives and 昀椀sherfolk – all with an eye to nature’s resiliency. —AB INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 9
Wild Hope: Return of the Manatees USA | 16 min This concise, upbeat 昀椀lm captures the triumph of eelgrass restoration in Crystal River, Florida. The story unfolds as the community unites to safeguard manatees, which are threatened by invasive algae. A testament to grassroots efforts, this 昀椀lm inspires with creative solutions, that illustrate how everyone can make a difference in preserving ecosystems and protecting wildlife. —PH The Forgotten Coast Chris Burkhard | USA | 17 min Celebrated photographer Chris Burkard has captured aerial images of Iceland’s glacial tributaries for many years. Seeking a more deeply immersive connection to this landscape, he sets out with two friends to explore it on fat bikes and pack rafts. The goal: link 300 miles of fragmented black sand coastline. The challenges: legion. Torrential river crossings, freezing Atlantic waves and unforgiving Arctic weather. —BB 10 21ST ANNUAL
PROGRAM 2 - OPENING NIGHT 7:00 pm Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Deep Trouble Lavinia Currier* | USA | 10 min Two friends from different backgrounds make a desperate plea for a moratorium on the latest ocean scourgeⴀⴀdeep sea mining. World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle urge us to speak up and put an end to corporate greed that reaches new lows––the bottom of the ocean, home to hundreds of yet to be discovered unique species. —AB Blue Carbon: Nature’s Hidden Power World Premiere Nicolas Brown* | UK | 85 min Join us on a global journey with Jayda Guy, a DJ and environmental toxicologist, to uncover a crucial element in combating climate change. As we listen to the voices of coastal peoples and the rhythm of Jayda’s music, we discover the unsung heroes and untapped power of blue carbon, lying between land and sea. —YIO INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 11
2024 FESTIVAL PROGRAM FORT MASON CENTER FOR ARTS & CULTURE SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024 PROGRAM 3 10:00 am Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Konstantinus’ Legacy - Awakening the Love for Nature Daniel Bichsel | Germany | 6 min Pause, take a deep breath, and walk along Konstantinus as he guides you through the lavish nature of Batanta Island, Indonesia. Let his passion and love for the environment inspire you. The natural world isn’t just a story to be told. It’s our home. It’s our shared world, worth dedicating one’s life to protect. Watch as Konstantinus does just that. —JA 12 21ST ANNUAL
841 Bay Area Premiere Rachel Burnett* | USA | 16 min A California sea otter known as “841” to the biologists inhabits the waters of Santa Cruz, California. What happens when “841” engages humans in her habitat? Interactions between “841” and people raise questions and spark debate in the local community about what is in the best interest of both humans and animals when the two meet face to face. —ST The Granny Grommets U.S. Premiere Leah Rustomjee | Australia | 9 min As young girls they missed out on the “Sur昀椀ng Generation,” but it’s never too late, and this enthusiastic pod recently grabbed their boards and took to the waves, where they found a wonderful camaraderieⴀⴀand horizontal sur昀椀ng that’s easier on the legs. —KH INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 13
Disappearing Jewels Will Kim | USA | 15 min Stories, teachings—and warningsⴀⴀabout the health of our ocean come to life in vivid colors and animation, tracing interviews with three ocean and climate experts. Framed by the 昀椀lmmaker’s memories of his grandfather, this 昀椀lm is a bejeweled visual and sensory delight that translates seamlessly across facts, stories, emotions, and pure aesthetic joy. —ML Until the End of the World U.S. Premiere | 2024 Environment Award Francesco de Augustinis* | Italy | 60 min Take an epic visual journey to Europe, Africa and South America, where different and distant communities clash with the ever growing 昀椀sh farming industry. Through the lens of an investigative journalist, viewers will be challenged to answer the question for themselves: Is the 昀椀sh farming industry a viable, sustainable answer for food security for an increasingly growing global population? —AB 14 21ST ANNUAL
PROGRAM 4 1:00 pm Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Kahu Manō World Premiere David W McGuire* | USA | 22 min Kahu Manō are the shark guardians of the reef. Two free-diving young Hawaiian women, search the local waters for the islands’ 40 shark species, all of them protected. The divers are assisted in caring for their environment by a concerned community, their elders, and their traditional gods. —KH Shark Researchers: A New Approach to Shark Conservation U.S. Premiere Arnau Argemi González | Spain | 3 min How can we convert Belizean 昀椀shermen, who have long relied on shark 昀椀shing for their livelihoods, into advocates for shark conservation? This 昀椀lm presents a transformative opportunity, introducing alternative livelihoods bene昀椀tting both the sharks and the local communities. —YIO INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 15
Great White Summer World Premiere Nick Budabin* | USA | 79 min Competing interests collide after the 昀椀rst fatal attack in eighty years brings attention to the various stakeholders in this beloved New England seashore: sharks, surfers, scientists, and society, all with their own interest at hand. With a backdrop of Cape Cod’s legendary sur昀椀ng waves, the white shark predator population is on the rise, and increasing encounters place lives and livelihoods in peril. —AB Cowell Theater Audience, Cold Refuge, 2023 16 21ST ANNUAL
PROGRAM 5 4:00 pm Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Presented by: CINEMARE International Ocean FIlm Festival, Kiel, Germany, San Francisco Sister City Partnership Tahlequah the Whale: A Dance of Grief Bay Area Premiere | 2024 Animation Award Daniel Kreizberg | Lithuania | 15 min This 昀椀lm intertwines the heart-wrenching journey of orca mother Tahlequah, carrying her deceased newborn across the Salish Sea in July 2018, with broader human tales of loss. Woven into the 昀椀lm’s rich orchestral tapestry are the authentic orca archival sounds, captured by underwater hydrophones. With stunning frame-by-frame animation, this poignant story explores grief, resilience, and our collective responsibility towards the planet’s future. —GCC Orca: Black & White Gold Sarah Nörenberg | Austria | 93 min Most of the world no longer traps and imprisons wild whales, but Russian captured orcas are still being held in cramped “whale jails” while their jailers look for illegal buyers from oceanariums, mainly in China. Intrepid activists, often undercover, investigate the miscreants—catchers, sellers, buyersⴀⴀand the enforcers. The Russian government is cooperating, even asking Jean- Michael Cousteau for help. —KH INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 17
PROGRAM 6 - SURF NIGHT 7:00 pm Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture With the Tide Bay Area Premiere 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award Chelsea J. Jolly* | USA | 25 min Yakutat, with 400 residents, sits at the mouth of Yakutat Bay north of Glacier Bay, Alaska. Home to the Tlingit people for centuries, the region offers 昀椀shing, hunting and wild natural beauty, but not much for teenagers––until one native resident returns from college and introduces them to the pleasures of joyful, spirit-strengthening sur昀椀ng, right where they live. Whole families become involved, contributing boards, wetsuits, and a mix of Tlingit traditions. —SJPH Zoe Gaby Scott* | USA | 27 min A portrait of a Northern California wunderkind building her professional big wave sur昀椀ng career. With fearless determination, Zoe doggedly follows her path with uncommon focus and grit. Guided by a community of mentors, she is undaunted by the sacri昀椀ces and effort required to achieve her dream. It’s an inspiring 昀椀lm about a passionate young athlete’s pursuit of excellence and happiness. —BB 18 21ST ANNUAL
Daughters of the Waves 2024 Ocean Sports Award Lisa Monin & Sebastien Daguerressar | France | 53 min Would you dare to surf one of the most beautiful yet terrifying waves in the world? At Teahupo’o, Tahiti, amongst a new generation of Tahitian female surfers, the Fierro sisters are trailblazing their way and reclaiming their Polynesian heritage. Vahine, the eldest, is leading the charge and de昀椀ning her own path in the legendary waves of Teahupo’o. —YIO 2023 Panel Discussion: Collision: Whales & Ships: Commerce, Conservation & Coexistence 2023 Free Student Education Program INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 19
2024 FESTIVAL PROGRAM FORT MASON CENTER FOR ARTS & CULTURE SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024 PROGRAM 7 10:00 am Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Deep Look: How Does the Mussel Grow its Beard? Josh Cassidy | USA | 4 min Dive into the microscopic world of California mussels as they ingeniously craft their byssal threads, or “beards,” to anchor themselves onto rocks and huddle together for dear life. With a delicate touch, their sensitive foot seemingly spins threads from thin air, cementing them to the substrata with a natural adhesive that rivals the strongest superglues. —GCC 20 21ST ANNUAL
Expedition Amana World Premiere | 2024 Golden Gate Award Mason Le*, Kai Smith, Julian Goodman & Niki Wallin | USA | 3 min Japanese explorer Jin Ishikawa has a question: Could ancient Californians, pre-dating the Polynesian arrival in Hawaii, have traversed the Paci昀椀c from what is now Northern California to Hawaii using boats made of natural materials? Jin seeks to test his theory by sailing a prototypical boat constructed of tule reeds with the goal of sailing from San Francisco to Hawaii. —ST Keepers of the Land Bay Area Premiere | 2024 Coastal Culture Award Deirdre Leowinata* & Douglas Neasloss* | Canada | 29 min In the heart of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation is developing ecosystem monitoring and action programs, 昀椀nding strength in stories and culture, and emerging as a stewardship leader in Canada. Made with exquisite footage, this is a meditative and deeply moving story about indigenous resurgence and reviving human connection with the land and ocean that we call home. —ML INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 21
Daughter of the Sea Nicole Gormley & Nancy Kwon | USA | 17 min Daughter of the Sea follows Jaeyoun Kim’s transition from corporate life in Seoul to her roots as a haenyeo, a free diver in Mara Island, South Korea. The 昀椀lm beautifully blends Kim’s stunning dive cinematography with a deep exploration of overcoming depression and 昀椀nding ful昀椀llment, in the healing power of home and nature. —PH Fish with A Story Karen Logan & Melissa Raemakers | South Africa | 45 min A group of women from a small coastal town in South Africa guide us through their community’s conservation efforts, and their country’s deeply troubled colonial past. From beautiful to chilling, we’re inspired by the resilience of the main characters. Though their past is rooted in scarcity, they create a world of abundance they generously share with others. Powerful storytelling, highlighting voices that lead straight to the viewer’s heart. —JA 22 21ST ANNUAL
PROGRAM 8 1:00 pm Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Kingdom of Ice: Antarctica’s Leopard Seals 2024 Short Award Paul Nicklen & Andy Mann | Canada | 9 min This bite-sized 昀椀lm takes a “Gary Larsen-esque” look at one of Antarctica’s most fearsome predators, leopard seals. The bane of hapless penguins, they confront divers with a fearless ferocity and razor-sharp teeth. The humans soon discover they are objects of special interest: but as pals…or prey? See how one encounter revealed our “role” in their world (prepare to be humbled). —MJS Why Blame the Seagulls? U.S. Premiere | 2024 Jury Award Philip Hamilton | UK | 36 min Patagonia’s Peninsula Valdés teems with penguins, elephant seals, and majestic southern right whales that breed in its lagoons. The area’s “boomtown” development, driven by nature tourism, has made some wildlife tragic victims of human success. Hungry kelp gulls strip 昀氀esh from whales and their calves as they surface to breathe, and calf mortality has risen. Discover the dynamics behind their plight and the steps that could ultimately resolve it. —MJS INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 23
A Disappearing Forest Tyler Schiffman | USA | 9 min “Within the last decade 96% of the kelp forests along California’s coasts have disappeared. If that many trees disappeared, it would be front-page news everywhere.” Urgently narrated by Greg Downie, a commercial urchin diver who, with the disappearance of red sea urchin, has lost his livelihood. This 昀椀lm educates us about the interdependence of kelp forests, sea-stars, urchins, and the people who play a role in keeping the ecosystem in balance. —ML Alien Contact 2024 Marine Wildlife Award Rick Rosenthal* | USA | 50 min Join Emmy award-winning 昀椀lmmaker Rick Rosenthal and neurobiologist Dr. Csilla Ari’s groundbreaking exploration into the minds of enigmatic giant manta rays. As they piece together evidence of their cooperating with humans, they discover greater depths of cognitive ability than previously understood. The 昀椀lm challenges preconceptions of marine intelligence by proposing the extraordinary idea that mantas may possess self-awareness. —BB 24 21ST ANNUAL
PROGRAM 9 4:00 pm Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Return of the Mangroves World Premiere Leo Thom | USA | 9 min Embark on a riveting journey with the Mangrove Action Project team as they return to El Salvador’s enchanting Bay of Jiquilisco, a battleground in the 昀椀ght to save Central America’s vast mangrove forests. Twelve years after groundbreaking restoration efforts, the team returns to unveil the transformative power of their community-based ecological mangrove restoration approach and the resilient communities that call it home. —GCC Dahican Boogs Rosales | Philippines | 16 min Dahican illuminates the transformation of Filipino 昀椀shermen from turtle hunters to dedicated conservationists. The 昀椀lm captures their journey, emphasizing the crucial role of educating the younger generation in sustaining these efforts. A testament to the power of conservation awareness. The 昀椀lm is an uplifting exploration of positive change within communities striving to protect and preserve endangered species. —PH INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 25
Haulout 2024 Jury Award Evgenia Arbugaeva & Maxim Arbugaeva | UK | 25 min Walruses of the Chukchi Sea north of the Bering Strait need breaks— haulouts—now and then, but global warming has melted the ice 昀氀oes they once used to rest and give birth. The result: up to 100,000 walruses including young calves one night crowd into the planet’s largest haulout, startling Russian marine biologist, Maxim Chakilev, who monitors the site every year. Hundreds are crushed in their overcrowded panic. —SJPH The Blue Quest - Palawan World Premiere | 2024 Conservation Award Clément Pourtal* & Jérôme Brousse | France | 47 min In 2012, a retired French couple began restoring a small, devastated island in the Philippines’ Palawan UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, planting thousands of trees and mangroves and rebuilding reefs. Their Sea Academy spreads knowledge of the Reserve’s crucial food and economic importance for the local population. In a different way, “Mama Ranger” and the young rangers and scientists of reserve’s isolated Tubatahah reefs, share what they learn of the area’s wildlife with local 昀椀shermen and visiting divers. —SJPH 26 21ST ANNUAL
SCREENING COMMITTEE The International Ocean Film Festival solicits films from around the world, using a collaborative, team-oriented approach to curate the final line-up of films. The 2024 Call for Submissions drew a record number of submissions from filmmakers, directors, producers, and other festivals from around the world. The Screening Committee spends many hours reviewing each entry, discussing the subject matter, production quality, originality, editing, script and anticipated interest by the audience. An impressive list of 35 films met the qualifications to be featured in this year’s film festival. We hope that you are as impressed and engaged by the content, quality and messaging of these films as we are. We are fortunate to have the following volunteers on our screening committee: Jana Sidney J.P. Ašenbrennerová Hollister SJPH JA Ana Blanco Keith Howell AB KH Bill Brick Yuko Inatsuki BB Oberjat YIO Gretchen C. Marina Coffman, Ph.D. Luccioni GCC ML Cecilia Mary Jane Cordero Schramm MJS CC Philip Harvey Stan Teng PH ST INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 27
PANEL DISCUSSIONS TIDEPOOL Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture | San Francisco, CA Join us in the Tidepool (Building D at Fort Mason) for all of our Panel Discussions, a free event produced as part of the educational outreach from the International Ocean Film Foundation. 28 21ST ANNUAL
PANEL DISCUSSIONS TIDEPOOL Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture | San Francisco, CA Join us in the Tidepool (Building D at Fort Mason) for all of our Panel Discussions, a free event produced as part of the educational outreach from the International Ocean Film Foundation. INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 29
ALPHA LIST 841 PG 13 Rachel Burnett | USA | 16 min A Disappearing Forest PG 24 Tyler Shiffman | USA | 9 min Active Anilao PG 9 Walter Marti | USA | 5 min Alien Contact PG 24 Rick Rosenthal | USA | 50 min Blue Carbon: Nature’s Hidden Power PG 11 Nicolas Brown | UK | 85 min The Blue Quest - Palawan PG 26 Clément Pourtal & Jérôme Brousse | France | 47 min Blue Whales: Return of the Giants PG 6 Hugh Pearson | UK | 45 min Dahican PG 25 Boogs Rosales | Philippines | 16 min Daughter of the Sea PG 22 Nicole Gormley & Nancy Kwon | USA | 17 min Daughters of the Waves PG 19 Lisa Monin & Sebastien Daguerressar | France | 53 min Deep Look: How Does the Mussel Grow PG 20 its Beard? Josh Cassidy | USA | 4 min Deep Trouble PG 11 Lavinia Currier | USA | 10 min Disappearing Jewels PG 14 Will Kim | USA | 15 min Expedition Amana PG 5 | PG 21 Mason Le, Kai Smith, Julian Goodman & Niki Wallin | USA | 3 min 30 21ST ANNUAL
ALPHA LIST Fish with A Story PG 22 Karen Logan & Melissa Raemakers | South Africa | 45 min The Forgotten Coast PG 10 Chris Burkhard | USA | 17 min The Granny Grommets PG 13 Leah Rustomjee | Australia | 9 min Great White Summer PG 16 Nick Budabin | USA | 79 min Haulout PG 26 Evgenia Arbugaeva & Maxim Arbugaeva | UK | 25 min PG 15 Kahu Manō David McGuire | USA | 22 min Keepers of the Land PG 21 Deirdre Leowinata* & Douglas Neasloss | Canada | 29 min Kingdom of Ice: Antarctica’s Leopard Seals PG 23 Paul Nicklen & Andy Mann | Canada | 9 min Konstantinus’ Legacy - Awakening the Love PG 12 for Nature Daniel Bichsel | Germany | 6 min Orca - Black & White Gold PG 17 Sarah Nörenberg | Austria | 93 min The Passage PG 9 Boogs Rosales | Philippines | 20 min Return of the Mangroves PG 25 Leo Thom | USA | 9 min Sequoias of the Sea PG 8 Natasha Benjamin & Ana Blanco | USA | 14 min Shark Researchers: A New Approach to PG 15 Shark Conservation Arnau Argemi González | Spain | 3 min INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 31
ALPHA LIST Tahlequah the Whale: A Dance of Grief PG 17 Daniel Kreizberg | Lithuania | 15 min Until the End of the World PG 14 Francesco de Augustinis | Italy | 60 min Why Blame the Seagulls? PG 23 Philip Hamilton | UK | 36 min Wild Hope: Return of the Manatees PG 10 USA | 16 min With the Tide PG 18 Chelsea J. Jolly | USA | 25 min Zoe PG 18 Gaby Scott | USA | 27 min Thank you for supporting the mission of the International Ocean Film Foundation at this year’s Off the Reef Bene昀椀t Auction 32 21ST ANNUAL
2024 OCEAN CHAMPIONS Ms. Daniela Fernandez Founder and CEO, Sustainable Ocean Alliance Daniela is a visionary nonpro昀椀t leader and social entrepreneur, who has made it her life’s mission to restore the health of the ocean. She founded Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) in her dorm room at Georgetown University when she was only 19 years old. Since 2014, Daniela helped create the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders, establishing a presence in 165 countries, and accelerating more than 270 solutions to heal, protect, and restore our ocean. Ms. Jennifer Stock Education Outreach Coordinator, Greater Farallones/Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Jennifer is a veteran naturalist and environmental educator. Her career includes working as an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service, as an environmental educator with Nature Bridge and Catalina Island Marine Institute, and for the past 23 years an all-around educator/communicator for NOAA’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. Jenny has created exhibits, teaching programs, hands-on activities and curricula, workshops, outreach events, and digital media to share and communicate about our coastal ocean treasures to increase appreciation and stewardship of them. INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 33
TH 18 ANNUAL FREE STUDENT EDUCATION PROGRAM Presented by RingCentral and Brightmark th This year marks the 18 anniversary of the Free Student Education Program, hosting more than 1,200 students from around the Bay Area and beyond. For many students this is their 昀椀rst time seeing 昀椀lms about the ocean, and most can’t wait to come back. This lively program gives students the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the 昀椀lmmakers, while inspiring them to learn more about the ocean. This year’s line-up includes the opportunity for students to learn about nudebranchs, gain a better understanding about the importance of the fur of sea otters, experience a day in the life of an aquatic biologist and learn about smaller cat sharks. Our hope is that our young audiences leave the festival buzzing with a new awareness of why the ocean matters and what they can do to protect it. Film line-up: BRIGHTMARK AND FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY 841 A DISAPPEARING FOREST DEEP LOOK: HOW DOES THE MUSSEL GROW ITS BEARD? DEEP TROUBLE KINGDOM OF ICE: ANTARCTICA’S LEOPARD SEALS 34 21ST ANNUAL
TH 13 ANNUAL STUDENT FILM COMPETITION SATURDAY, APRIL 13 & SUNDAY, APRIL 14 | SEMINAR ROOM One-Hour Screenings at 9:30 AM & 3:30 PM Free Admission Our mission is to inspire our audiences to learn more about the ocean through independent 昀椀lm, especially amongst the next generation of ocean conservationists. By engaging young students in the joys of 昀椀lmmaking, they can tell their own story about the ocean and compete for the chance to have their 昀椀lm projected on the big screen. Most students learn not only what its like to be a 昀椀lmmaker but they see the ocean in a different light. In 2012, the IOFF launched the 昀椀rst Student Film Competition and received a mere nine entries. Designed to encourage students to tell their own story, many of the 昀椀lms end with a call to action, recognizing that stories and 昀椀lms can impact human behavior. The rules are simple: the 昀椀lms must be about the ocean, produced entirely by students, be less than 昀椀ve minutes long and include credits for all content used from outside sources. This year’s 昀椀lms are impressive, surprising and cover a wide range of topics. MIDDLE SCHOOL FINALISTS Improve | Khanh Tue Nguyen | Vietnam | 4 min IOFF | Stella Vu | USA | 3 min Minecraft | Max Lu | USA | 5 min Hooked: The Unwanted Innocents | Collin | USA | 3 min Ethics v. Marine Conservation | Renzo N. Mendoza | USA | 5 min HIGH SCHOOL FINALISTS Life’s Tides | Julianna Huffman | USA | 3 min Inside the Waves | Ngô Khánh Thư | Vietnam | 4 min Phytoplankton In a Nutshell | Don Petchsangroj | Thailand | 4 min Siento el Océano a Través del Kayak (I Feel the Ocean Through My Kayak) | Rosario Elizabeth Valenzuela Landeros | Mexico | 2 min Two Sides | Aslı Baloğlu | Turkey | 4 min Award winning 昀椀lms are selected on the basis of artistic technique and the ability of the student 昀椀lmmaker or group of student 昀椀lmmakers, to create a 昀椀lm essay that leaves the audience better informed about and engaged with the ocean. INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 35
OCEAN HEROES The International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF) is proud to partner with Bay Area and national organizations whose mission and purpose are dedicated to protecting our oceans and marine life. We call them our Ocean Heroes. Please visit our Ocean Heroes on Saturday and Sunday in the Cowell Theater Lobby from 10am - 6pm. 36 21ST ANNUAL
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Your support helps us achieve our 昀椀ve pillars of ocean education programs: Global Online Education Program Streaming free 昀椀lms to grade 6-12 students International Student Film Competition Inspiring creativity with a purpose International Traveling Program Sharing our content to amplify our impact Year-Round Ocean Film Field Trips Offering ocean 昀椀lm experiences to inform students Annual Ocean Film Festival Presenting award-winning 昀椀lms from around the world 2024 VIRTUAL INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL APRIL 15-22, 2024 You have another opportunity to see award-winning ocean-inspired 昀椀lms from around the world in our virtual online program. Select 昀椀lms from the in-person event will be featured and 12 new 昀椀lms have been added. Visit our website for more information and we look forward to sharing more inspiring ocean stories with you online. INTLOCEANFILMFEST.ORG INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 37
SQUID INK 38 21ST ANNUAL
SQUID INK INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 39
Cowell Theater Seminar ƒ Festival Pavillion Room Route to Cowell Theater Pier 1 Herbst Pavillion Tidepool Paid Parking Landmark Bldg E Landmark Bldg B Landmark Landmark Bldg D Bldg A Landmark Bldg C VISITING FORT MASON CENTER FOR ARTS & CULTURE Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture is located along the northern waterfront between Aquatic Park and the Marina Green. With 1.4 million annual visitors attending thousands of annual events, exhibitions and performances, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture is a vibrant cultural hub located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. DIRECTIONS The Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture main campus entrance is off Marina Blvd at Buchanan Street. The General’s Residence and Chapel are located in upper Fort Mason, which is accessed by a separate vehicle entrance than the main campus. The entrance for the General’s Residence and the Chapel is off Bay Street at Franklin. PARKING Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture offers paid parking spots for your convenience. Please keep in mind that the meters are enforced 24/7.