International Ocean Film Festival

The International Ocean Film Festival (IOFF) is the premier ocean film festival of its kind in the world. Now heading into its 19th 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 19th Annual IOFF will be a hybrid event, with the current plan to host an in-person event on April 7 - 10, 2022 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 16th Annual Free Student Education Program, which includes free screenings for middle school and high schools students, and the 11th 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: Joe Platko