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A special 1-hour educational program designed to entertain, engage, and inspire people of all ages around the globe. This dynamic virtual program features a curated selection of six official festival films, each highlighting powerful stories from around the world that explores the wonders of the ocean and the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
At the heart of IOFF’s mission is a commitment to education and ocean literacy—empowering the next generation of ocean leaders with knowledge, inspiration, and a deep respect for our planet’s waters. Through independent film, IOFF seeks to be the premier platform for ocean education and ocean literacy.
Film Lineup
Above Sinai (13 min) – West Coast Premiere
Directed by Kylie Zarmati
Set against the stunning backdrop where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the desert mountains, this inspiring film follows Sarah Sadek, a young Egyptian kiteboarder breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Living among the Bedouin tribes in Dahab, she challenges expectations and rises to become a professional athlete and role model.
The Mother of Diamonds – Kimberlite – Alexander Benedik, Austria, 6 min
In this visually captivating short, free diver Anna von Bötticher explores the icy waters of Eastern Greenland in search of Kimberlite, a rare rock that forms deep beneath the earth’s surface. This cinematic journey below Arctic ice sheds light on both geology and the strength of human spirit.
Anna von Boetticher, the freediver in the video is available for Q&A with students. Inquire for contact details.
Deep Look: A Coral is Born – Rosa Tuirán, USA, 6 min – World Premiere
A dazzling look into coral reproduction, this short captures the moment when corals engage in synchronized spawning. As climate change threatens reef ecosystems, scientists race to replicate these natural events in labs to preserve coral populations.
Deep Look: Watch this Starfish Protect Her Babies From Danger – Josh Cassidy, USA, 6 min – World Premiere
This extraordinary short reveals the maternal instincts of a six-rayed sea star living in Northern California. Unlike many marine species, this sea star hides and protects her babies for months, offering viewers a rare look at parental care beneath the waves.
Peixinho (Little Fish) – Kaushiik Subramaniam, UK, 8 min – World Premiere
In a coastal village in Mozambique, where many rely on the ocean yet don’t know how to swim, one young boy is determined to change that. His dream to reconnect his community with the sea highlights themes of resilience, education, and local empowerment.
Roots – Danny Schmidt, USA, 12 min
In the Dominican Republic, ecologist Ismael Diaz-Tolentino merges love of sport with environmental action. Using baseball—deeply embedded in the nation's culture—he leads the "Play for the Mangroves" initiative to save critical coastal ecosystems and inspire youth-driven conservation.
Set against the stunning backdrop where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the desert mountains, this inspiring film follows Sarah Sadek, a young Egyptian kiteboarder breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Living among the Bedouin tribes in Dahab, she challenges expectations and rises to become a professional athlete and role model.
- Year2024
- Runtime13 minutes
- DirectorKylie Zarmati
A special 1-hour educational program designed to entertain, engage, and inspire people of all ages around the globe. This dynamic virtual program features a curated selection of six official festival films, each highlighting powerful stories from around the world that explores the wonders of the ocean and the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
At the heart of IOFF’s mission is a commitment to education and ocean literacy—empowering the next generation of ocean leaders with knowledge, inspiration, and a deep respect for our planet’s waters. Through independent film, IOFF seeks to be the premier platform for ocean education and ocean literacy.
Film Lineup
Above Sinai (13 min) – West Coast Premiere
Directed by Kylie Zarmati
Set against the stunning backdrop where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the desert mountains, this inspiring film follows Sarah Sadek, a young Egyptian kiteboarder breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Living among the Bedouin tribes in Dahab, she challenges expectations and rises to become a professional athlete and role model.
The Mother of Diamonds – Kimberlite – Alexander Benedik, Austria, 6 min
In this visually captivating short, free diver Anna von Bötticher explores the icy waters of Eastern Greenland in search of Kimberlite, a rare rock that forms deep beneath the earth’s surface. This cinematic journey below Arctic ice sheds light on both geology and the strength of human spirit.
Anna von Boetticher, the freediver in the video is available for Q&A with students. Inquire for contact details.
Deep Look: A Coral is Born – Rosa Tuirán, USA, 6 min – World Premiere
A dazzling look into coral reproduction, this short captures the moment when corals engage in synchronized spawning. As climate change threatens reef ecosystems, scientists race to replicate these natural events in labs to preserve coral populations.
Deep Look: Watch this Starfish Protect Her Babies From Danger – Josh Cassidy, USA, 6 min – World Premiere
This extraordinary short reveals the maternal instincts of a six-rayed sea star living in Northern California. Unlike many marine species, this sea star hides and protects her babies for months, offering viewers a rare look at parental care beneath the waves.
Peixinho (Little Fish) – Kaushiik Subramaniam, UK, 8 min – World Premiere
In a coastal village in Mozambique, where many rely on the ocean yet don’t know how to swim, one young boy is determined to change that. His dream to reconnect his community with the sea highlights themes of resilience, education, and local empowerment.
Roots – Danny Schmidt, USA, 12 min
In the Dominican Republic, ecologist Ismael Diaz-Tolentino merges love of sport with environmental action. Using baseball—deeply embedded in the nation's culture—he leads the "Play for the Mangroves" initiative to save critical coastal ecosystems and inspire youth-driven conservation.
Set against the stunning backdrop where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the desert mountains, this inspiring film follows Sarah Sadek, a young Egyptian kiteboarder breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Living among the Bedouin tribes in Dahab, she challenges expectations and rises to become a professional athlete and role model.
- Year2024
- Runtime13 minutes
- DirectorKylie Zarmati