About Us
OUR MISSION
To be the premier global platform for ocean literacy and education through film.
OUR VISION
A world with healthy and productive oceans for the benefit of all.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The IOFF is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization made possible by the spirit, passion, and hard work of our board of directors, screening committee, and numerous volunteers.
Dedicated to using film as a medium to increase public awareness of the environmental, social, and cultural importance of marine ecosystems and foster a spirit of ocean stewardship, IOFF is now the premier global film festival for ocean-related films.
Every year, IOFF produces an acclaimed festival of ocean-themed films from all over the world that are largely unavailable to the general public. Themes range from marine science and ocean exploration to ocean sports and adventure, while also touching upon key important current issues affecting the health of our oceans. Films are selected based on many criteria and are reviewed by an esteemed group of volunteer screeners.
HISTORY
Since its launch in 2004, IOFF has attracted thousands of audiences of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, conservationists, educators, water sports fans, environmental supporters and ocean lovers in general.
It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years.
YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES
Learn more about the IOFF and the exciting year round ocean related programming events taking place in the Bay Area and across the U.S.
SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION
Volunteer, donate, sponsor, or participate in the 23rd Annual IOFF, taking place on April 10-12, 2026, Thank you for supporting the IOFF!
Staff and Board of Directors
Ana Blanco, Executive Director
Member, Board of Directors
Chair, Traveling Program Committee
Ana joined IOFF as executive director in 2011. Ana brings a passion for the ocean and more than ten years of experience in executive nonprofit management at various organizations in the Bay Area. Most recently, she served as vice president and development director at BizWorld.org, an educational entrepreneurship curriculum for young students, and as donor relations officer for the San Francisco Foundation. Ana also volunteers with Blue Water Foundation, which is dedicated to introducing at-risk youth to the joys and challenges of sailing on the San Francisco Bay. As a certified scuba diver, she always looks for opportunities to explore and discover the beautiful underwater world.
Ana has served as a jury member for several film festivals, including Jackson Wild, CINEMARE International Ocean Film Festival (Kiel, Germany), San Diego Underwater Film Expo, FICMA Film Festival in Barcelona, Spain, and the Brest Surf Film Festival in Brest, France.
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Karmen Johnson, Board of Directors, President
Co-Chair Chair, Off the Reef Annual Benefit
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Bob Thronson, Board of Directors, Vice-President
Chair, Ambassador's Council
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Janis Parthun, Board of Directors, Treasurer
Chair, Outreach and Education Committee
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Alison Nil, Board of Directors
Chair, Business Development Committee
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Ken Wu, Board of Directors
Chair, Volunteer Committee
Meet The Programmers
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Ana Blanco
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Dominique Lawrenz
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Gretchen C. Coffman, Ph.D.
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Laurie Gage
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Mary Jane Schramm
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Nuria Seriñá
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Sharon Wong
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Stan Teng
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Steve Peletz
Ocean Champions
Every year, the International Ocean Film Festival hosts the Off the Reef Auction Benefit to raise funds in support of our Education Programs. A leading individual in the ocean community is honored for their work and commitment to protecting our oceans and raising awareness about the importance of our ocean's health. Here is a list of our past honorees:
2025: Wendy Benchley, Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, Marine Conservationist
2024: Daniela V. Fernandez, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Jennifer Stock, Greater Farallones NMS/Cordell Bank NMS
2023: Ashlan and Philippe Cousteau, Jr., EarthEcho International
2021: IOFF Volunteers
2020: Director Cristina Mittermeier, Co-Founder and Lead Storytellerof SeaLegacy
2019: Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue
2018: Director Louie Psihoyos, Director of The Cove, Racing Extinction, Game Changers
2018: Dr. Jeff Boehm, CEO of The Marine Mammal Center
2017: Kip Evans, NatGeo Photographer, Mission Blue
2016: Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Blue Mind
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Wendy Benchley
Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, Marine Conservationist
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Daniela V. Fernandez
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Jennifer Stock
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Ashlan and Philippe Cousteau, Jr.
The 22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival has been endorsed by the 2021-2030 United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The main motivation for this global effort is to support efforts to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and create improved conditions for sustainable development of the ocean. For more information, please visit www.oceandecade.org.
Get Involved
Since 2004, the International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF) has been recognized around the world as the premier ocean-themed film festival for its compelling, inspiring, and thought-provoking independent films.
As a nonprofit arts organization, IOFF relies on the loyalty, passion, and financial contributions of our donors to present four days of special events and the best independent ocean-inspired films from around the world. We couldn’t make it happen without your support!