International Ocean Film Festival Announces Award Winners From 10 Categories
March 4, 2025, San Francisco, CA: The 22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org), dedicated to showcasing films that inspire appreciation and care for the ocean, announces its full festival line-up, kicking off with an April 11 Opening Night screening of “Turtle Walker,” an award-winning film celebrating the pioneering work of Indian biologist and conservationist Satish Bhaskar.
Members of the press and cinema community may request a festival pass at: www.intloceanfilmfest.org/media
More than 200 Filmmakers Representing 35 Different Countries Submitted Entries
Film Festival Runs April 11 – 13 at San Francisco Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason
April 5 at The Smith San Rafael Film Center, San Rafael
March 28, 2025, San Francisco, CA: The 22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org), dedicated to showcasing films that inspire appreciation and care for the ocean, announces this year’s award winners in the categories: Coastal Culture, Conservation, DEI, Director, Environment, Exploration, Golden Gate (bestowed to San Francisco Bay Area filmmaker), Marine Sciences, Short and Jury. Entries included documentary films in short, animation and full-length categories. Ten honorees were selected from more than 200 entries representing 35 countries. These 10, plus a juried selection of additional outstanding films, will be presented April 11 - 13 at the Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco. An advance screening showcasing two films will take place on Saturday, April 5, at the Smith San Rafael Film Center in San Rafael--home of the Mill Valley Film Festival. Festival Passes, plus Individual, Student, Youth and Senior Sunday tickets available: https://intloceanfilmfest.org/2025-tickets-passes.
“This year’s submissions were of the highest quality production wise, spanning a broad range of ocean-inspired topics. Selecting our official selections was very challenging, as all film submissions were outstanding,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director. “A competitive, award-winning festival, the International Ocean Film Festival is a global platform for ocean literacy and education through independent film. Engaging audiences with what lies below the ocean waterline through the power of film is what makes our festival so special and provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers around the world.”
Filmmakers for this, the 22nd year, took on a wide variety of themes, including ocean plastic, the beauty of nature, loss of biodiversity, and personal stories about moving forward after a near-death experience in the water. Judges cited “Turtle Walker,” winner of the Conservation Award, as a majestic account of the power of one person and what he or she can do to help save a species. Blanco added, “We were also impressed with the in-depth reporting presented in “Monsters,” winner of the Golden Gate Award. Audiences are seeking inspiring stories that are hopeful and affect change in our global effort to protect our planet.”
2025 Category Winners
Coastal Culture Award: One With the Whale
Pete Chelkowski, Jim Wickens, USA
Conservation Award: Turtle Walker
Taira Malaney, India
DEI Award: Above Sinai
Kylie Zarmati, USA
Director Award: The Big Sea
Chris Nelson, Lewis Arnold, UK
Environment Award: Sequoias of the Sea
Ana Blanco, Natasha Benjamin, USA
Exploration Award: Arctic Dive
Philipp Herrman Griess, Germany
Golden Gate Award: Monsters
Skyler Thomas, USA
Marine Sciences Award: Defend the Deep
Liz Rubin, Richard Charter, USA
Short Award: The Mother of Diamonds – Kimberlite
Alexander Benedik, Austria
Jury Award: Peixinho
Kaushiik Subramaniam, UK
Italicized are San Francisco Bay Area filmmakers.
A registered California non-profit, the International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF) acknowledges the contributions of donors who support its global education programs.
2025 International Ocean Film Festival Supporters
Orange County Community Foundation
The William H. Donner Foundation
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
The OrcaTerra Fund
2025 International Ocean Film Festival Sponsors
HHMI | Tangled Bank Studios
Jenga Ocean
RBC Wealth Management
About the International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF)
Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of participants worldwide, including filmmakers and enthusiasts, athletes, educators, students, and ocean philanthropists. In the span of 22 years, the festival has presented more than 1020 films from 46 countries and energized conversations via panel discussions with global filmmakers, ocean stewards and philanthropists. The International Ocean Film Festival also hosts a student ocean film program which showcases a selection of films curated for middle and high school students. Free for students, this opportunity is made possible from proceeds raised at the annual “Off the Reef” benefit--an evening fundraiser where one or more Ocean Champions are honored. An Ocean Champion is an individual whose dedication, and work helping the ocean, is exemplary. The International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF) is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit.
PR Contacts
Martha Blanchfield
Public Relations
Phone: (650) 483-8816
Ana Blanco
Executive Director
International Ocean Film Festival
Phone: (415) 828-8860
22nd Annual San Francisco International Ocean Film FestivalApril 11 – 13 Announces Official Selections
March 4, 2025, San Francisco, CA: The 22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org), dedicated to showcasing films that inspire appreciation and care for the ocean, announces its full festival line-up, kicking off with an April 11 Opening Night screening of “Turtle Walker,” an award-winning film celebrating the pioneering work of Indian biologist and conservationist Satish Bhaskar.
Opening Night Film “Turtle Walker” Chronicles Pioneering Work of
India’s Satish Bhaskar—Sea Turtle Biologist and Conservationist
Film Festival Passes On Sale Today
Individual General Admission Ticket Sales Start March 10
March 4, 2025, San Francisco, CA: The 22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org), dedicated to showcasing films that inspire appreciation and care for the ocean, announces its full festival line-up, kicking off with an April 11 Opening Night screening of “Turtle Walker,” an award-winning film celebrating the pioneering work of Indian biologist and conservationist Satish Bhaskar. A man who dedicated his life to the study of sea turtles, Bhaskar’s research serves as a baseline for today’s restoration efforts at critical nesting beaches throughout India. From April 11 – 13, more than 30 independent films will be shown at the Cowell Theatre in San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture and the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael. Film Festival Passes will be available for purchase starting March 4 at 4pm Pacific; Individual General Admission tickets will be available for purchase starting March 10. Both Film Festival Passes and Individual General Admission tickets may be purchased at https://intloceanfilmfest.org/.
"Now more than ever, our mission to elevate and celebrate important stories of ocean conservation is both critical and timely. So, kicking off our three-day weekend with “Turtle Walker” on Opening Night is significant: it highlights the exponential impact that one person can have–fueled more by his passion and vision than anything else. In the case of Satish, his indomitable spirit saved the enigmatic creatures from extinction, and reminds us how precious our planet is,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director. “The following three days exemplify the impact that one person can have–ranging from a film director, to a concerned individual, to simply someone who cares about our planet. Everyone who appreciates the ocean and wants to learn more is invited to attend.”
The mission of the International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF) is to be the premier global platform for ocean literacy and education through independent film. Subject matter of the 30+ selected films ranges from marine wildlife, conservation efforts, ocean environments, coastal cultures, ocean sports and exploration to ocean heroes and more. Each festival day will include post-screening Q&As with visiting filmmakers from around the world.
As a competitive award-winning festival, the International Ocean Film Festival recognizes outstanding submissions from twelve categories: Environmental, Marine Sciences, Exploration, Ocean Sports, Coastal Island Culture, Animation, Conservation, Diversity, Shorts, Equity & Inclusion, Director, Jury and the Golden Gate Award (bestowed to a San Francisco Bay Area filmmaker). Winners in each category will be announced on March 17.
In addition to the main festival, IOFF hosts a free Student Film Education program, featuring selections that have been chosen to resonate with middle and high school students. Reservations to attend the Student Film Education program are still being accepted.
2025 Official Selections
Friday, April 11
Deep Look: A Coral is Born, Rosa Tuirán (SF USA) 6 min
Peixinho (Little Fish), Kaushiik Subramaniam* (UK) 8 min
Souls, Ian Mun* (Singapore) 12 min
Defend The Deep, Liz Rubin*, Richard Charter (SF USA) 23 min
Friday, April 11 - Opening Night
Wild Hope: Whale Shark Homecoming, Bethany Jones, (USA) 15 min
Turtle Walker, Taira Malaney* (India) 75 min
Saturday, April 12
Wild Hope: The Great Ocean Cleanup, Sarah Arnoff, (USA) 15 min
The Human Side of Plastic, Babacar Thiaw, Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayers, Rush Sturges (USA) 15 min
Casa Congo - Las Tejedoras, Tabata Piccinelli* (Italy) 21 min
Footprints on Katmai, Max Romey (USA) 22 min
Caleb - Beyond the Bite, Nicola Gerrard (South Africa) 7 min
Monsters, Skylar Thomas* (SF USA) 71 min
The Mother of Diamonds: Kimberlite, Alexander Benedik (Austria) 6 min
Immersive, Rohan Thomas* (UK) 23 min
The Big Sea, Lewis Arnold*, Chris Nelson* (UK) 75 mins
Saturday, April 12 - Surf Night
Above Sinai, Kylie Zarmati, (USA) 13 min
The Cigarette Surfboard, Ben Judkins, (USA) 93 min
Sunday, April 13
Battle of the Blues, Adam Ryokichi Ernster* (SF USA) 26 min
A Sentinel's End, Thomas John Dietz, Ph.D.* (SF USA) 9 min
One with the Whale, Pete Chelkowski, Jim Wickens (USA) 80 min
5 Degrees, 6 Minutes, 7AM, Jeremy Chapman, Veronique Ebers (Germany) 4 min
Arctic Dive, Philipp Herrman Griess (Germany) 75 min
Deep Look: Watch this Starfish Protect her Babies from Danger, Josh Cassidy* (SF USA) 6 min
Saving Seagrass, Robert Boyd* (SF USA) 15 min
A Living Shoreline, Packard Jennings* (SF USA) 17 min
Sequoias of the Sea, Natasha Benjamin*, Ana Blanco* (SF USA) 54 min
Italicized are San Francisco Bay Area filmmakers.
*Anticipated to appear for post-screening Q&A.
Members of the press and cinema community are invited to request a festival pass by contacting IOFF at www.intloceanfilmfest.org/media.
About the International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF)
Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival (IOFF) has attracted thousands of participants worldwide, including filmmakers and enthusiasts, athletes, educators, students, and ocean philanthropists. In the span of 22 years, the festival has presented more than 1020 films from 46 countries and energized conversations via panel discussions with global filmmakers, ocean stewards and philanthropists. As part of the festival, the IOFF also hosts a student ocean film program showcasing a selection of films curated for middle and high school students. Free for students, this opportunity is made possible from proceeds raised at the annual “Off the Reef” benefit--an evening fundraiser where one or more Ocean Champions are honored. An Ocean Champion is an individual whose dedication, and work helping the ocean, is exemplary. The International Ocean Film Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit.
PR Contacts
Ana Blanco
Executive Director
International Ocean Film Festival
Phone: (415) 828-8860
Martha Blanchfield
Public Relations
Phone: (650) 483-8816
22nd Annual San Francisco International Ocean Film Foundation “Off the Reef” Benefit to Recognize Ocean Conservationist and Marine Advocate Wendy Benchley
February 4, 2024, San Francisco, CA: The 22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival (IOFF / www.intloceanfilmfest.org), dedicated to showcasing films that inspire appreciation and care for the ocean, announces that tickets are now on sale for the March 20 “Off the Reef” benefit fundraiser. The dinner and auction will be held at the Golden Gate Club in the San Francisco Presidio.
March 20 Event Tickets Available
February 4, 2024, San Francisco, CA: The 22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival (IOFF / www.intloceanfilmfest.org), dedicated to showcasing films that inspire appreciation and care for the ocean, announces that tickets are now on sale for the March 20 “Off the Reef” benefit fundraiser. The dinner and auction will be held at the Golden Gate Club in the San Francisco Presidio.
Each year, the IOFF recognizes an Ocean Champion who has made a significant positive impact on the marine environment. In 2025, ocean conservationist, marine policy advocate and member of the Women's Diving Hall of Fame, Wendy Benchley, will be honored. Benchley is the wife of the late Peter Benchley, author of the novel “Jaws.” Published by Doubleday in 1974, the story tells of a large great white shark that preys upon a fictional Long Island resort town. American director Steven Spielberg produced the namesake summer blockbuster, which won several awards for music and editing. “Jaws” was the first major motion picture to be shot on the ocean. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the film.
"I am honored to receive this commendation," said Benchley. "Film is a powerful tool that can inspire anyone to do great things. In fact, even though the story in Peter’s novel is fictional, the movie “Jaws” motivated many actual positive actions for the marine environment. In years following its release, universities saw a significant increase in the number of students applying to oceanography and marine biology programs.” The evening’s guests will have an exclusive look at some intriguing vintage footage recorded in Martha’s Vineyard during the making of “Jaws.”
Additional highlights of the evening include a live auction–anchored by a trip for two on any Viking Cruise eight-day ocean voyage–a wine lottery game featuring bottles that retail from $40 to $350, plus numerous additional silent auction items, as well as dinner and dancing.
Proceeds from “Off the Reef” directly fund the annual Free Student Education Program for middle and high school students. These special screenings in San Francisco feature a selection of films curated to appeal to young adults. Esteemed marine education guest speakers, filmmakers, and scientists also attend the screenings to share their insights and knowledge. The goal of the student series is to improve ocean literacy and education through film. For more than twenty-two years, the International Ocean Film Foundation has used the power of visual storytelling to inspire audiences to appreciate, protect, restore, and care for the ocean.
Date and Venue
March 20, 2025
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Golden Gate Club
135 Fisher Loop
The Presidio, San Francisco
Program
Cocktails and silent auction
Plated dinner with wine
Ocean Champion award presentation Live auction
Dancing
Tickets
$225 individual
$3,500 – table sponsorship (table for 10)
Purchase link
Off the Reef event page
About the International Ocean Film Festival
Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival (IOFF) has attracted thousands of participants worldwide, including filmmakers and enthusiasts, athletes, educators, students, and ocean philanthropists. In the span of 22 years, the festival has presented more than 1020 films from 46 countries and energized conversations via panel and 1:1 discussions with global filmmakers, ocean stewards and philanthropists. In tandem with the three-day festival, the IOFF hosts a student program that showcases a curated pick of films for young adults. Free to students, this series is made possible from proceeds raised at the annual “Off the Reef” benefit. The International Ocean Film Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit.
http://www.intloceanfilmfest.org
https://www.facebook.com/intloceanfilmfest
Twitter @oceanfilmfest
Instagram @intloceanfilmfest
Media assets available for download at https://intloceanfilmfest.org/media
IOFF logo, “Off the Reef” event graphic, Wendy Benchley photo, Wendy Benchley bio
PR Contacts
Martha Blanchfield
Renegade PR
martha@renegade-pr.com
650 483-8816
Ana Blanco
Executive Director
International Ocean Film Festival
info@inteloceanfilmfest.org
415 561-6251
San Francisco, California