Step inside the creative and scientific minds shaping the future of ocean storytelling and conservation. This section brings together filmmakers, researchers, explorers, and educators from our past panel discussions and live zoom calls whose perspectives illuminate both the art and the urgency of understanding our blue planet. Through conversations, behind-the-scenes insights, and breakout sessions, these voices reveal the passion, curiosity, and expertise driving powerful films and real-world ocean action. Together, they show how storytelling and science work hand in hand to inspire awareness, connection, and lasting change.

2021 International Ocean Film Festival Female Directors - Opportunities &amp; Challenges in the Natural World IOFF Executive Director, Ana Blanco, is joined by a panel of female filmmakers as they discuss opportunities &amp; challenges of female filmmakers in the natural world. Panelists: Cristina Mittermeier (Echoes in the Arctic), Nicole Gormley (Lessons from Jeju), Christina Karliczek Skoglung (Sharks of the Icy North) and Claudia Schmitt (360 Sea Plastics).

2021 Female Directors Q&A

From our 19th annual IOFF, Help the Kelp panel discussion with the experts.

2022 IOFF Help the Kelp Panel Discussion

From our 19th Annual IOFF Shark Panel with the experts.

2022 IOFF Shark Panel

From our 22nd annual IOFF panel discussions. Join our panel experts to discuss the innovative solutions for the future of our oceans. We will be exploring how kelp can be a game-changer in the fight against climate change. Maria Finn, Moderator, The Institute for Ecosystem Based LivingMichael Stewart, Sea TreesNatasha Benjamin, Sequoias of the SeaMichael Esgro, CA Ocean Protection CouncilRod Fujita, Ocean Innovations

2025 IOFF Help the Kelp: Solutions for a Changing Climate Panel Discussion

From our 22nd annual IOFF panel discussions. Join our panel of experts to explore the power we have as individuals to effect change at the intersection of science, storytelling and surfing.This panel will explore groundbreaking solutions for creating environmentally safe wetsuits made from sustainable materials and how these innovations can help protect our oceans. Learn about the transformative power of eco-friendly materials and how surfers can lead the change in the future of our waves. Chris Nelson,&nbsp;Award-Winning Filmmaker, Writer &amp; Activist, Co-Director&nbsp;of&nbsp;The Big SeaDemi Taylor,&nbsp;Award-Winning Writer &amp; Director of London Surf Film Fest, Producer of&nbsp;The Big SeaHub Hubbard, Product Line Manager at Patagonia SurfDr. Sarah Gerhardt,&nbsp;Big Wave Pioneer &amp; Chemistry ProfessorIan Stewart,&nbsp;Moderator,&nbsp;Marketing Lead for Yulex,&nbsp;A Patagonia Wetsuit Partner

2025 IOFF Sea Change: How to Translate Ingrained Issues into Positive Solutions Panel Discussion

From our 22nd annual IOFF panel discussions. People, wildlife and our&nbsp;ocean&nbsp;are inextricably linked, with the health of one depending on the health of the others. Together, as community members, scientists, educators and decision-makers, we are taking action today to protect our shared&nbsp;ocean&nbsp;for future generations of people and wildlife alike.&nbsp;&nbsp; Join experts from the world’s largest&nbsp;marine&nbsp;mammal&nbsp;hospital, The&nbsp;Marine&nbsp;Mammal&nbsp;Center, to hear stories of hope.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Jeff Boehm,&nbsp;Chief External Relations Officer&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kathi George, Director of Cetacean Conservation Biology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Emily Whitmer,&nbsp;Clinical Veterinarian&nbsp;&nbsp;Adam Ratner,&nbsp;Director of Conservation Engagement&nbsp;&nbsp; During this discussion, you’ll get a deep dive into how the Center is taking action to protect our&nbsp;ocean, including seal and sea lion rescue and rehabilitation, critical partnerships like WhaleSafe,&nbsp;ocean&nbsp;stewardship and more, as well as how we are all interconnected, what the future holds for&nbsp;ocean&nbsp;health and how you can get involved.

2025 IOFF Stories of Hope: Marine Mammals and Ocean Health in the Bay Area Panel Discussion

From our 22nd annual IOFF panel discussions. Join Parley for the Oceans' Lindsay Gordon, Oscar-winning director Louie Psihoyos, Scientist and&nbsp;Count Down&nbsp;author Dr. Shanna Swan, kelp material innovator Julia Marsh, and Parley Hawaii's Director Kahi Pacarro in this panel discussion and Q&amp;A as they explore the science of plastics and human health, including the global fertility crisis and the already happening future that is "The Material Revolution." Learn more about Parley for the Oceans' Panel Guests: Lindsay Gordon&nbsp;Head of Global Programs,&nbsp;Parley for the OceansLouie Psihoyos&nbsp;&nbsp;Oscar-winning director&nbsp;and Executive Director of Oceanic Preservation SocietyDr. Shanna Swan&nbsp;award-winning&nbsp;environmental and reproductive epidemiologistJulia Marsh&nbsp;CEO and co-founder of Sway, a Bay Area materials company scaling compostable packaging made with seaweedKahi Pacarro&nbsp;Director of Parley Hawaii

2025 IOFF Waves of Change: From Plastics and Human Health to the Material Revolution Panel Discussion

FREE Behind the Lens: In Conversation with the Creators & Experts Available December 10th!

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This November, the International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF) is proud to launch Reel to Real: Ocean Action Starts Here, a new year-end online film program — a dynamic virtual experience created to amplify ocean storytelling and raise vital support for our mission.    As we celebrate our 23rd year, we’re calling on our community to help us reach our $23,000 fundraising goal, ensuring that our work continues to educate, inspire, and drive tangible ocean action worldwide.

The International Ocean Film Foundation (IOFF) is proud to launch Reel to Real: Ocean Action Starts Here, a new year-end online film program! Streaming globally: November 19 – December 31, 2025