The International Ocean Film Festival (IOFF) is the premier ocean film festival of its kind in the world.
Now in its 18th year, IOFF has produced an acclaimed festival of independent ocean-related films from all over the world. Themes range from ocean adventure, science, marine life, sports and ocean coastal cultures. The films are not only intended to entertain the audience, but more importantly, to educate and encourage active participation in ocean-specific environmental efforts and better ocean stewardship.
The 18th Annual IOFF will be an online virtual film festival and also be an in-person festival, taking place on March 11- 14, 2021 at Cowell Theater in Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture located along the northern waterfront of San Francisco, California. The multi-day film festival will feature an Opening Night Reception, an Awards Program, and a Wrap Party to finalize the event. The entire festival consists of 10 to 12 programs with each program containing approximately 3 to 4 films. Special programs may focus on topics such as marine wildlife, ocean conservation efforts, environmental issues, coastal cultures and how they engage with the ocean, surfing, sharks, diving, and other subject matter depending on the variety and number of submissions. Programs will include post-screening filmmaker Q&A sessions as well as panel discussions with ocean specialists, scientists, industry experts, filmmakers and more.
A number of finalists from the main film festival program will be selected to participate in the world-renowned IOFF Traveling Program.
Two major events of the IOFF make up the Education Program, namely the 15th Annual Free Student Education Program, which includes free screenings for middle school and high schools students, and the 10th Annual Student Film Competition for middle school and high school students, with a dedicated program screening the top finalists and cash prizes for the top three winners in each category.
*Photo Credit: Manfred Bartoli
Every year, the IOFF presents awards to one winning filmmaker in each of the following categories: Adventure, Animation, Coastal Cultures, Conservation, Director's Award, Environment, Short, Marine Science/Wildlife, Golden Gate Award (for a local Bay Area filmmaker) and an Audience Award.
**Please select only ONE category per film submission and submit only ONE entry fee per film submission, however, please note that each submission will be considered for all categories.