2023 IOFF
The 20th Annual IOFF was an in-person event on April 12-14, 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 focused 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 included post-screening filmmaker Q&A sessions as well as panel discussions with ocean specialists, scientists, industry experts, filmmakers and more.
Panel Discussions
Experience thought-provoking panel discussions that were held at the Tide Pool at Fort Mason on April 15th and 16th, 2023. These engaging conversations highlight innovation and collaboration. Gain valuable insights from industry experts discussing key topics shaping the future. Don't miss the opportunity to see the dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise by watching the full videos below.
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PANEL #1
A Deeper Dive into Deep Sea Mining -
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PANEL #2
Engaging Local Communities in Ocean Conservation -
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PANEL #3
Collaborative Approaches to Marine Protected Areas -
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PANEL #4
Whales & Ships: Commerce, Conservation & CoexistencePresented by Hapag-LLoyd AG
Award Winners
2023 Category Winners
Coastal Culture Award: New Boats, Lansana Mansaray (Sierra Leone) 50 min
Conservation Award: Deep Rising, Matthieu Rytz (USA) 98 min
DEI Award: Gender Outlaw, a bodysurfing story, Peter Williams (USA) 16 min
Environment Award: Collision, Philip Hamilton (London, UK) 80 min
Ocean Sports & Exploration Award: Havana Libre, Corey McLean (USA) 85 min
Female Filmmaker Award: The Impossible Wave, Jessica Frankovelgia Johnson & Jay Johnson (USA) 40 min
Wildlife Award: Mediterranean LIFE UNDER SIEGE, Fred Fougea (France) 91 min
Short Award: Rise of the Clambassador, Alexander Davidowski (USA) 8 min
2023 Ocean Heroes
The International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF) is proud to partner with Bay Area and national organizations whose mission and purpose are dedicated to protecting our oceans and marine life. We call them our Ocean Heroes.
To find out more about our Ocean Heroes and how you can participate, please contact us at info@intloceanfilmfest.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!