San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival Announces 2014 Program

The 11th San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival (SFIOFF) will splash down at The Bay Theater and Aquarium of the Bay, March 5-9. This year's lineup will feature more than 25 world or U.S. premieres in its lineup of nearly 50 films, along with its ever-popular sharks and surfing film programs; new diving and whales focused programs; an opening night celebration at Aquarium of The Bay and thought-provoking discussions with filmmakers and ocean heroes including Captain Don Walsh.

Nearly 50 films, submitted by filmmakers from over 17 countries offer in-depth discussions with filmmakers and content experts, creating a unique and engaging format.
Among the many world premieres are "The Sunnydale Kids," highlighting the true power of surfing and ocean play time on a local Boys and Girls Club; "Return Flight," an inspiring look at bald eagles returning to Channel Islands National Park; "One Ocean: No Limits," a riveting race of oarsmen against the clock as they cross the Atlantic ocean; "Extinction Soup," on shark finning and its devastating impact on global populations; and "California Hope Spots," featuring the returning abundance of life in coastal Marine Protected Areas from Oregon south to Mexico.

"The San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival continues to reach audiences around the
Bay Area and across the world and we are thrilled to continue to set new 'cinemaquatic' standards with this year's film lineup, exciting new programs, and esteemed special guests like
Captain Don Walsh," said SFIOFF Executive Director Ana Blanco.

In addition to 11 riveting film programs, the opening night party at Aquarium of The Bay will feature delectable sips and nibbles from leading Bay Area restaurants and wineries, full access to the aquarium's exhibits, and mingling with filmmakers. An inspiring discussion by renowned oceanographer Captain Don Walsh appropriately titled: "Our Ocean - The Explorers and the Story Tellers," will open the evening. Walsh famously made the first descent into the deepest point of the world's ocean, Mariana Trench, in January of 1960 - more than 35,000 feet below the surface. Walsh has authored over 200 ocean-related publications and is among the influential Ocean Elders, an independent group of global leaders including Dr. Sylvia Earle, Jean-Michel Cousteau, and Sir Richard Branson.

Additional highlights for the 11th annual SFIOFF include a new whale film program and a special diving program and panel discussion, to complement the festival-goer favorite shark and Surf film program, presented by Jeff Clark and Mavericks Surf Shop. The festival will also host its 3rd annual Student Film Competition, screening winning entries from the record-setting 41 film submissions by middle and High School students and will welcome more than 1,400 school children for its free educational programs.

For tickets and additional details, visit http://www.oceanfilmfest.org.

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