Thunder Bay International Virtual Film Festival

Shorts Program (11 films)

Expired February 7, 2022 4:45 AM
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11 films in package
Aurora Short Film
Out of every 1,000 small sea turtles that hatch, only one will reach adulthood. Follow the experience of a young volunteer in a marine turtle conservation program in the state of Quintana Roo along the Mexican Caribbean. Through her eyes we will get to know the work carried out by the Xcacel Sea Turtle Camp, and daily effort of the entire team to protect and care for the nests of this species, to ensure that their newborns can reach the sea. —AB
Blackwater: Anilao Style
Discover Wonder: The Octopus Garden
Join a team of scientists on a thrilling voyage from the decks of high-tech exploration vessels to an extinct volcano two miles beneath the surface of Monterey Bay, and discover the only known hydrothermal octopus nursery in the world. You may encounter unexpected visitors along the way and return to the surface wonderstruck! —BB
In the Kelp of the Fjords
*Note: this film is in German with English subtitles* When we think of the fjords of Norway we often think of their big fish, like fish, orcas and humpback whales. However, the lesser known Norwegian kelp forests, similar to rain forests, contain a great diversity of life. The role of the kelp forest in maintaining this diversity is explained, as well as, the variety of creatures live there. —IS
Closed captions available
On the Brink
On the west coast of British Columbia, in majestic Clayoquot Sound, wild salmon, nourishing bears, and bald eagles, are the backbone of biocultural diversity of the forest and its First Nations stewards. But wild juvenile salmon are on the brink of extirpation caused by an explosion of sea lice from aquaculture farms. Impassioned, fast-paced and energetic. —BB
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
Sinhala
A short, stylized film exploring a Sri Lankan surfers relationship with the ocean - from childhood, through the 2004 Tsunami, to becoming a free surfer as an adult. An exploration of life and spirituality. —ST
GREAT WHITE SHARKS
Learn a lot about the great white shark — but from the perspective of a 10 year old mastering the use of Lego in a stop-motion animation film. Complete with Shark Trivia and a call to action to tell friends and families about how to protect these important apex predators, this is a delightful short film for audiences of all ages. —AB
Diving into an Underwater Galaxy
Songda Cai is an underwater photographer who prefers to dive at night when he can capture the images of the many bizarre-looking deep-dwelling species that only rise to the surface after the sun sets. —KH
A Mako Stronghold
In the waters off New Zealand, where a hook and line tuna fishery thrives, 1,000 mako sharks are taken every year as bycatch, threatening the chances of their survival in these waters. A mako female does not mature until the age of 18 or 20, giving birth to up to 15 pups every three years. Releasing these sharks from their hooks will have minimal effect but and needs to be done to protect these magnificent animals.—SJPH
Adventures of a Maritime Archaeologist
This twelve minute short film travels around the world and back in time, revealing history not found in books. Join renowned maritime archaeologist Jim Delgado on his epic journey.
Closed captions available

Shorts Program (TRT: 72 min)


  1. Aurora Short Film - Emilio José Álvarez García, Mexico, 9 min
  2. Blackwater: Anilao Style - Walter Marti, USA, 5 min
  3. Discover Wonder: The Octopus Garden - John Dutton, USA, 9 min
  4. In the Kelp of the Fjords - Guido Schmitz, Germany, 5 min
  5. On the Brink - Jeremy MATHIEU, Canada, 8 min
  6. The Ocean Calls - Lauren-ann Smith, Australia, 7 min
  7. Sinhala - JP Lewis, United Kingdom, 4 min
  8. GREAT WHITE SHARKS - Lakan Duskin, USA, 3 min
  9. Diving into an Underwater Galaxy - Fan Ping, China, 5 min
  10. A Mako Stronghold - Shawn Heinrichs, USA, 5 min
  11. Adventures of a Maritime Archaeologist, USA, 12 min

The Ocean Calls, Lauren-Ann Smith

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

  • Year
    2020
  • Runtime
    7 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    Australia
  • Director
    Lauren-ann Smith
  • Screenwriter
    Lauren-ann Smith
  • Producer
    Lauren-ann Smith, David Mace-Kaff
  • Cast
    Lauren-ann Smith, Adam Smith, Joanne Smith, Mackenzie Smith, Samuel Smith
  • Editor
    Christopher Sampson
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