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EDUCATION PROGRAM

INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FILM FOUNDATION
Annual Free Student Education Program
April 11, 2025
Cowell Theater

Join us for our Free Student Education Program at Cowell Theater in Fort Mason, San Francisco! This 2-hour event will feature a curated program of official selections from the main film festival, designed to entertain, engage and educate young adults. As the heart of the mission of the International Ocean Film Foundation , is education and ocean literacy, with the goal of being the premier platform for ocean education and literacy through independent film.

The program features a lineup of films centered around ocean topics. In addition, we will have esteemed marine education guest speakers, filmmakers and scientists sharing their insights and knowledge.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with marine conservation in a fun and educational setting!

About the Free STUDENT Education Program

Through the Education Program, the IOFF aims to educate and inspire youth to:

  • Take an active role in protecting our vital ocean ecosystems

  • Participate in the arts and documentary filmmaking

  • Learn more about ocean-related careers

 

PRIOR VIRTUAL Q&A CONVERSATIONS

 

Swimming with Gentle Giants with Scott Portelli

Join award-winning filmmaker and marine biologist Stefan Andrews and photographer Scott Portelli as they discuss the film Scott Portelli | Swimming with Gentle Giants and what it's like swimming with these incredible marine mammals.

Healthy fishing & mako shark king of the pelagic realm

Join Emmy award-winning filmmaker Shawn Heinrichs of the films Healthy FISHing & Mako Shark King of the Pelagic Realm and IOFF Executive Director, Ana Blanco.

 

Discover Wonder: The Octopus Garden

Q&A with Discover Wonder: The Octopus Garden award-winning filmmaker John Dutton and marine scientist Chad King. Moderated by IOFF Education Program Co-Chair Rachael Van Schoik.

Mangrove Forest

Q&A with The Wondrous Mangrove Forest filmmaker Leo Thom & mangrove expert Marin Keeley.

 

Barbara crites: Snorkeling in st. john usvi

Q&A with Barbara Crites: Snorkeling in St. John US Virgin Islands filmmaker Andrea Leland and Barbara Crites. Moderated by Sonia Wierzba.

Ocean to the everglades

Q&A with J.P. Brooker and Samantha Bisogno of the Ocean Conservancy in Florida. Moderated by Rachael Van Schoik.

About the Free STUDENT Education Program

Through the Education Program, the IOFF aims to educate and inspire youth to:

  • Take an active role in protecting our vital ocean ecosystems

  • Participate in the arts and documentary filmmaking

  • Learn more about ocean-related careers

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us. 

Our Vision

IOFF's vision for the Free Student Education Program is to:

  • Extend our mission to many more students through road shows in the Bay Area and beyond

  • Provide a "live experience" of our film screenings and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and scientists in real-time

  • Create a competition and awards program for best student films, serving to inspire budding documentary filmmakers

  • Establish IOFF as a working forum for Bay Area film studies and environmental studies programs

  • Provide students from diverse backgrounds and schools the opportunity to gather and learn — from each other and from experts from around the world

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Top photo: “Bottle Cap”, Marie Hyon & Marco Spier, USA