Thunder Bay International Virtual Film Festival

Ocean Exploration Program (6 films)

Expired February 7, 2022 4:45 AM
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6 films in package
The Ocean Calls
Going on a multi-year sailing adventure is what many people dream of doing: the Smith family of Australia did just that — they sold everything they owned to chase a dream; their home, business and everything associated with both. Inspired to give their autistic son Sam and his two siblings Lauren and Mackenzie an adventure of a lifetime. —AB
Blue Calling
Bavarian free diver Daniel Bichsel takes us to the crystal-clear waters of Marettimo, a protected Aegadian island west of Sicily. With each breath he is conscious of the eternity, silence and oneness with an undersea world that are under increasing threat. He encourages us to step lightly and reminds us that every idea, no matter how small, has the potential to make an impact!—BB
Lessons from Jeju
The Haenyao are women free divers from Jeju Island, South Korea, who make their living collecting shellfish and seaweed. These are South Korea’s first working moms. Most of them are the sole support of their families. This matrilineal activity is passed down from mother to daughter. The Haenyao go collecting their entire livings and it is not uncommon for three generations to be in the water at the same time. —IS
Stories from the Blue: Discovering Inner Earth
Changing Seas: "American Samoa's Resilient Coral Reefs"
American Samoa is home to some of the largest corals on record. Reefs in this remote island paradise are thriving, while corals elsewhere are in serious decline. Scientists study what makes these corals more resilient than others in the wake of local and global stressors.
Coral Resiliency: The Marine Protected Areas of Taytay
Taytay, a Palawan Island in the Philippines, hosts a network of marine protected areas (MPA), ranging from privately-owned to community-run to local government-managed. All these MPAs contribute to raising the resiliency of coral and help combat the negative effects of climate change. —AB

Ocean Sports & Exploration Program (TRT: 73 min)


  1. The Ocean Calls - Lauren-ann Smith, Australia, 7 min
  2. Blue Calling - Sarah Ziegler, Janis Klinkenberg, Germany, 6 min
  3. Lessons from Jeju - Nicole Gormley, USA, 13 min
  4. Stories from the Blue: Discovering Inner Earth - Nick Zachar, USA, 6 min
  5. Changing Seas: "American Samoa's Resilient Coral Reefs" - Alexa Elliott, USA, 27 min
  6. Coral Resiliency: The Marine Protected Areas of Taytay - Gabriel Malvar, Philippines, 14 min

"Most people look at a cave and they see nothing but darkness. But for me and for my colleagues, we look into the darkness and we see opportunity." Jill Heinerth is one of the world's premiere underwater explorers. She has dived everywhere from the sea caves of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary to inside iceberg caves. Watch our video to hear Jill's Story from the Blue and to learn what makes underwater caves so special – in Jill's words, "the veins of Mother Earth."

  • Year
    2020
  • Runtime
    5:59
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Director
    Nick Zachar
  • Screenwriter
    Shannon Shikles
  • Producer
    Kate Thompson
  • Executive Producer
    Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
  • Editor
    Shannon Shikles
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