September, 2024
Congratulations to this year's winners
 

Feature Film Grand Prize: 
Ocean Watch - A Story of Deep Sea Exploration
40:12
Directed by Leo Richards
United Kingdom
Summary:
Summary:
Our planet’s Ocean, a realm shrouded in mystery, covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet a staggering 95% remains virtually unexplored and unknown. These waters hold secrets more fascinating than our wildest imaginings and biodiversity that rivals the densest rainforests’ richness. Join us aboard the state-of-the-art research vessel, R/V Falkor (too), a beacon of modern oceanographic exploration. Equipped with leading-edge technology and an advanced underwater robot capable of plunging to depths of 4,500 meters, R/V Falkor (too) is your gateway to witnessing the uncharted wonders of the deep sea. Experience the thrill of discovery as expert teams unveil groundbreaking findings from their latest scientific missions. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of underwater ecosystems - marvel at viewing new species, each a puzzle piece in understanding our planet’s most enigmatic environment. Witness the groundbreaking research and innovative technologies shining a light into the Ocean’s darkest depths.

 

Feature Film Runner-Up:
Alone at Sea
1:37:00
Directed by Pierre Isoard
France
Summary: 

Based on a true story. In November 2000, Yves Parlier is about to take part in the Vendée Globe. Single-handed, without stopovers or assistance, this round-the-world sailing race is regarded as the toughest in the world. Driven by his competitive spirit, Yves is determined to win. But the favourite of the race breaks his mast in the Pacific. Despite the risks, he decides to repair his boat and continue the race. A technical feat, a sporting exploit, but above all the story of a man who sets out to find himself, Alone at Sea takes us on an extraordinary adventure to the heart of the oceans.

Short Film Winner:
We Can Get There from Here
24:00
Directed by Alex Lowther
United States
Summary: After years studying marine microplastics around the globe, Abby Barrows was ready to come home. In 2015, looking for a side-project that would keep her on the water, she bought the lease for an oyster farm in Deer Isle, Maine. When she saw the mountain of plastic gear that came with it, the side-project became something else.
 

Short Film Runner-Up:
Banks
25:00
Directed by David Sanchez, Billie-Jazz Marcuzzo-Roy, Jérôme Léwa Cadet
Canada
Summary: An eco-educator crisscrosses the riverbanks from the Mingan islands to Montreal to meet the guardians of the St. Lawrence River, our greatest jewel.
 

Short Film Honorable Mention:
The Underwater Treasurers of Raja Amat
8:03
Directed by Stefan Ruenzel
United States
 

Seacology is a nonprofit whose mission is to work directly with local communities to protect threatened island ecosystems all over the world. This short film explores our win-win model by following the progress of our project in Fafanlap Village, Indonesia, to preserve the spectacular Misool region of the Raja Ampat Archipelago.

Working with our partners at the Misool Foundation, in 2011 we provided the funds for a new kindergarten in exchange for the villagers creating and patrolling a 99,583-acre no-take marine preserve. Today, the kindergarten serves double the number of original students, and the marine reserve is one of only a few places in the world where fish counts are dramatically increasing.