The World Whale Film Festival celebrates powerful short films that ignite ocean awareness and inspire action for a better, bluer future. We are seeking compelling stories that explore ocean conservation, marine wildlife protection, Indigenous ecological knowledge, climate change, environmental stewardship, and bold solutions for a thriving planet.

Over the past years, the festival has seen incredible success, and we look forward to showcasing your work as part of this inspiring global movement.

This year, the event returns to Wailuku at the historic ʻĪao Theater, providing the community with a classic theater setting and an elevated film-viewing experience. In previous years, we’ve partnered with Ocean’ Organic Farm and Distillery, where we experienced great success and community support. We remain grateful to our past venue partners and look forward to continuing to collaborate with locations across Maui.

Join this global movement and help shape the future through film. We look forward to showcasing your film.

World Whale Film Festival
February 11, 2026 | ʻĪao Theater, Maui
Hours 5:30 arrivals - Event Begins 6:00- 9:30 pm
This Film Festival is part of World Whale Day Celebrations, a series of events in February hosted by Pacific Whale Foundation in honor of Maui’s Humpback Whales.

Rules & Terms

Pacific Whale Foundation supports ethical visual storytelling that accurately represents various cultures, ecosystems, and wildlife. Filmmakers must guarantee that the welfare of all marine wildlife and the marine environment was respected and remained undisturbed during filming, as well that they abide by all federal, state and regional regulations on location.

Selections will be announced before January 15, 2026. If your film is selected, please let us know whether you will be able to attend the event in person. If you are unable to attend, we require a pre-recorded video presentation to accompany your film.
All selected filmmakers must also provide a media kit for inclusion on our website. This should include:

• Film File (MP4)
• Official Trailer FILE (MP4)
• Official Film poster
• Director’s name, bio, email, and photo and quote from the director

Entries will be evaluated based on originality, storytelling, technical excellence, message, artistic merit, and overall impact.

By entering WWFF 2026 filmmakers acknowledge that the visual content submitted is their own creative work, and does not, to their knowledge infringe on the rights of any other person and/or business.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ben Gibson

    An amazing event hosted by a brilliant team! It was an honour to have my film shown at such a special event.

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Ismaele Tortella

    Although I wasn’t able to attend the festival in person, the communication and overall organization were excellent — thoughtful, clear, and truly appreciated.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Amia Voluntad

    One of my favorite festivals! Such an honor to have my short documentary screen. Amazing opportunity for local and international filmmakers alike.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • mahmut taş

    It's a very nice festival. We are very happy to be there.

    July 2022
    Helpful