The International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF) hosts the annual, premier ocean-centric film festival of its kind in the world.
Now heading into its 22nd 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 22nd Annual IOFF be in-person event on April 11-13, 2025 at Cowell Theater in Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture located along the northern waterfront of San Francisco, California, as well as a virtual film festival component. 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 19th Annual Free Student Education Program, which includes free screenings for middle school and high schools students, and the 14th 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: Liam McGuire, Abades, Tenerife, Spain, Ocean Image Bank
Every year, the IOFF presents awards in competition to film submission in the following eleven categories: Animation, Coastal and Island Cultures, Conservation, Director's Award, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Environment, Female Filmmaker, Golden Gate Award (for a local Bay Area filmmaker)Marine Life, Short, Ocean Sports, Science and Exploration. If a category does not have an outstanding award winning film, an award will not be presented.
**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.