22nd ANNUAL

Film Submissions

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!

Submit your films for the 22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival, happening April 11-13, 2025, at Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco.

The IOFF is proud to be North America’s premier cinematic film event for ocean-related independent films. Each year’s festival offers a carefully curated group of diverse films that capture the ocean’s beauty, power, and mysteries.

GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

The IOFF accepts films of all genres that focus on the varied aspects of our big, blue ocean. Subject matter includes marine wildlife, conservation efforts, ocean environments, coastal cultures, ocean sports and exploration, ocean heroes, and innovative technology designed to help protect the ocean.

Films can be documentaries, narratives, shorts, animation, and full-length films from around the world. Several finalists from the main film festival program will be selected to participate in the world-renowned IOFF Traveling Program.

AWARDS & PRIZES

Every year, the IOFF hosts present awards to one winning filmmaker in each of the following categories: Adventure, Animation, Coastal Cultures, Conservation, Directors Award, DEI, Environment, Short, Marine Science/Wildlife, Golden Gate Award (for a local Bay Area filmmaker) and a Global Audience Award. The jury determines if sufficient finalists are in an award category to grant an award.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • All submissions must be ocean-themed.

  • IOFF does not pay screening or shipping fees to screen a film, nor does IOFF underwrite production costs (duplication, subtitling, etc.).

  • All works must be in English or have English subtitles. Entries can be in any genre—documentary, narrative fiction, or animation—and can be submitted by professional or amateur filmmakers.

  • We have limited program slots for films longer than 60 minutes, but all submissions of this length and longer will be considered.

  • Films must be completed by the deadline for submission. Works in progress will not be accepted, and edits to films after they have been submitted will not be allowed.

  • More than one Film may be submitted, but a separate entry fee must be paid for each.

  • Upon completion of the Festival selection process, we will attempt to contact the Applicant using the contact information provided on the submission form to notify the Applicant of the Film’s acceptance status. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the contact information provided on the submission form is correct throughout the entirety of the selection period (from the opening of the call for entries through the end of the Festival).

  • IOFF is not obligated to provide the Applicant or any other Film representative with any comments or feedback regarding the submitted Film if it is not accepted for exhibition at the Festival.

  • Every submitted Film is evaluated on its merits and how it meets the criteria for our Festival. The fact that it is or has been available on YouTube or Vimeo, has had limited distribution at selected theaters, or has been shown on TV is considered in our evaluation but is not a reason for rejecting the Film. We prefer films made within the past year or two. Still, an older film that deals with an unusual subject, has historical importance, or has not been shown theatrically for several decades might also be considered for the Festival. Each Film is unique and will be evaluated as such.

By submitting your films to the IOFF, you hereby grant permission for IOFF to use it for the following purposes:

  • Stills: Still images from the films will be used on the website, printed materials, banners, and other promotional materials. Please submit one high-resolution headshot of the filmmaker in JPG format.

  • Clips: Clips of submitted films may be used to promote IOFF by appearing on the IOFF website, possible partnership websites, and third-party advertising sponsors (e.g., television spots, newspaper print ads, magazine ads, etc.).

  • Trailer: IOFF may request a short trailer (electronically or on DVD) for films over 10 minutes for promotional purposes.

  • Interim screenings: In addition to possibly being screened at IOFF during the stated festival dates, accepted films may be screened throughout the year for promotional purposes, as a separate screening in cooperation with other IOFF partnership organizations, and as part of the IOFF traveling program.

FILMMAKER PERKS

If your Film is selected for screening at the IOFF, you will receive a variety of perks as follows;

  • Access for you and one guest to the Opening Night Reception, all screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and Wrap Party (includes other events as they come online).

  • Discounted or complimentary hotel lodging is available if the festival secures a hotel sponsor before the beginning of the film festival.

  • Opportunities to engage with the press and media

  • Opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the audience each time your Film is screened.

  • Potential for your Film to be selected for the traveling program.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The IOFF Education Program consists of two major events: the 15th Annual Free Student Education Program, which includes free screenings for middle school and high school students, and the 10th Annual Student Film Competition, which includes a dedicated program screening the top finalists and cash prizes for the top three winners in each category.

More information about the Festival.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about future film submissions, please email us.