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Welcome to BLUE Ocean Film Festival 2016! Thank you all for attending and being a part of the monumental occasion. 
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Wednesday, November 9
 

6:30pm EST

OCEAN & EARTH: ICELAND Photography Exhibit Unveiling & Reception : Don Cesar Hotel Grand Ballroom
A VIP pre-festival event exclusively for BLUE Whale Passholders and Sponsors.
Please join us at the Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach for a special reception and private unveiling of Henthorne's OCEAN & EARTH: ICELAND photography exhibit.

This intimate reception provides the rare opportunity for an upclose visual journey through stunning Icelandic landscapes and a behind-the-scenes discussion with the artist Henthorne, moderated by best selling author Dr. Wallace J. Nichols.

Speakers
avatar for Henthorne

Henthorne

Henthorne Art Foto
Henthorne is an international award-winning artist who works in the medium of high contrast black and white photography. Influenced primarily by his passion for the oceans of the world, these intersections of ocean and earth provide the backdrop for his minimalistic ethereal visions... Read More →
avatar for Wallace J. Nichols

Wallace J. Nichols

New York Times Best Seller, Blue Mind - Reconnect with Water
Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols is a scientist, wild water advocate, movement-­‐maker, New York Times bestselling author, and dad. His research and expeditions have taken him to coasts and waterways across North, Central and South America, to Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. This... Read More →

Artists
avatar for Henthorne

Henthorne

Henthorne Art Foto
Henthorne is an international award-winning artist who works in the medium of high contrast black and white photography. Influenced primarily by his passion for the oceans of the world, these intersections of ocean and earth provide the backdrop for his minimalistic ethereal visions... Read More →



Wednesday November 9, 2016 6:30pm - 8:00pm EST
Don Cesar Hotel 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
 
Thursday, November 10
 

9:00am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'In Pursuit of Plastics' | 'The Open ROV Experience' | 'Vey nou Lagon' | 'Atlantic: The Wildest Ocean On Earth' @ Palladium
Film Block, Thursday, 9:00am, Palladium Theater Line-up   |  Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

In Pursuit of Plastics follows 22 year-old Dutch inventor and entrepreneur, Boyan Slat's transatlantic expedition of The Ocean Cleanup sailing through the North Atlantic Gyre collecting data on vertical plastics distribution in an attempt to devise a method for cleaning up our ocean.

The Open Ocean ROV Experience - Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate HS  

Vey nou Lagon 
follows a traditional fisherman and his family as they show us the state of the ocean through their life experiences on the Mauritian lagoons. (French with English Subtitles)

Atlantic: The Wildest Ocean On Earth
- follow a year in the life of the tropical Atlantic.

Thursday November 10, 2016 9:00am - 10:45am EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

9:15am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Our Big Blue Backyard: Northland Harbors' | 'Blue Serengeti'
Film Block, Thursday, 9:15am, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | (Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Our Big Blue Backyard: Northland Harbors - Follow two New Zealand fur seal pups, born on opposite sides of New Zealand’s South Island.

Blue Serengeti - Dr Barbara Block and a team of scientists from Hopkins Marine Station and Monterey Bay Aquarium showcase the hidden world of Monterey Bay, or as Dr. Block calls it - The Blue Serengeti.

Thursday November 10, 2016 9:15am - 11:00am EST
Sundial Muvico #20

9:30am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Shark & Lion' | 'On the Line' | 'Empire of a Sailor'
Film Block, Thursday, 9:30am, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Shark & Lion - This symbolic short film sheds light on an ecological problem.  A shell collecting stranger is stung by a venomous lion fish and falls into the sea.  Meanwhile, beneath the surface, sharks and lionfish fight the fundamental game of the world, the game of hide and seek.

On the Line
- For Chris Moore, living on a sailboat connects a gap that exists between human progress and environmental vulnerability, it is a lifestyle connected on the line.

Empire of a Sailor
 - The last journey of a solitary sailor.

Thursday November 10, 2016 9:30am - 11:00am EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

11:00am EST

KEYNOTE: LEGACY Award presentation & 'In Conversation With' Filmmaker GREG MACGILLIVRAY @ Palladium
Keynote Panel, Thursday, 11:30am, Palladium Theater | Tickets $15 (click here)

Join an informal discussion with the legendary Greg MacGillivray, IMAX film icon and the recipient of BLUE's 2016 Legacy Award.  Moderated by James Marshall Crotty.

Open to BLUE Whale Pass holders, Patrons, and individual tickets holders. 

Moderators
avatar for James Marshall Crotty

James Marshall Crotty

Columnist, Forbes/HuffPo
I am the Forbes Business of Education columnist: http://blogs.forbes.com/jamesmarshallcrotty/. I cover Education as a sector and as the bedrock of all sectors. I am the author of several books, including How to Talk American (Houghton Mifflin) and the Mad Monks' Guide to New York... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Barbara MacGillivray

Barbara MacGillivray

Director of Research, MacGillivray Freeman Films


Thursday November 10, 2016 11:00am - 11:45am EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

11:15am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Call from the Sea' | 'Magic & Mystery of Sable Island' | 'Moby Dick: Heart of a Whale'
Film Block, Thursday, 11:15am, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Call from the Sea - This short documentary is about seeing the ocean through the Bajau's eyes. The Bajau are a sea nomadic group who live on top of the water in Indonesia. It is a poetic, personal story about trying to hear the ocean's voice.

Magic & Mystery of Sable Island - About 100 miles off the coast of Nova Scotia sits an island that has fascinated and horrified sailors for the past 500 years. Sailing enthusiast and adventurer, Gary Jobson, sailed to Sable Island to learn more about this curious sand bar sitting in the wide open Atlantic Ocean.

Moby Dick: Heart of a Whale - Discover the true story that inspired Herman Melville’s literary masterpiece, Moby Dick.

Thursday November 10, 2016 11:15am - 1:15pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

11:30am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Dream' | 'Oceanic Connection' | 'The Weekend Sailor'
Film Block, Thursday, 11:30am, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Dream
- Trapped in the oppressive monotony of a 9-5 routine, an office worker escapes with dreams of manta rays; Music Video.

Oceanic Connection
- This short film is meant to generate one’s deepest inner stoke and give insight to the ways one can connect with the ocean.

The Weekend Sailor
In 1973, the United Kingdom organized the first head to head sailing race around the world, inviting expert crews from Europe and other countries.

Thursday November 10, 2016 11:30am - 1:15pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

12:15pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Far Away to Ambon' | 'Close Encounter with a Sperm Whale' | 'Souls of the Vermilion Sea' | 'Call of the Baby Beluga' | Q&A with Filmmakers @ Palladium
Film Block, Thursday, 12:15pm, Palladium Theater Line Up | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Far Away to Ambon - Music Video

Close Encounter with a Sperm Whale -
 Texas A&M Professor gets an unexpected but thrilling up close visit doing deep-sea research in the Gulf of Mexico.

Souls of the Vermilion Sea: Searching for the Vaquita
a documentary about the struggle to save the world's most endangered marine mammal, the Vaquita.

Call of the Baby Beluga -
 A heart-warming story of how belugas live their social and communicative lives and how a stalwart group of scientists use knowledge and empathy to try to save a stranded baby, her extended St. Lawrence River beluga family and the future we all share (no trailer available).

Session includes Q&A with Call of the Baby Beluga filmmakers Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit.

Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Chisholm

Suzanne Chisholm

Producer, Natural Mystery Films Ltd.


Thursday November 10, 2016 12:15pm - 2:00pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

1:15pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Ocean Parks: Mesoamerican Reef' | 'Vamizi: Cradle of Coral'
Film Block, Thursday, 1:15pm, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Ocean Parks: Mesoamerican Reef - For centuries, countries and governments have fought to protect vast expanses of territory above ground, dry-land areas considered too important to lose.  This series explores those protected areas in the our oceans

Vamizi: Cradle of Coral - Vamizi is the largest island in the Quirimbas archipelago. Its relative isolation from mainland Mozambique has preserved its natural beauty and wildlife. 


Thursday November 10, 2016 1:15pm - 3:00pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

1:30pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Safe Passage' | 'UTSUK: A Story of Fat' | 'Of the Sea: Fishermen, Seafood, and Sustainability'
Film Block, Thursday, 1:30pm, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Safe Passage - This short film features two Pacific Northwest tribes working to reign in fossil fuel shipments through the Salish Sea, home to endangered killer whales and critical salmon habitat. Spanning US and Canadian waters, this fragile inland ocean is under threat by an exponential increase in fossil fuel exports.

UTSUK: A Story of Fat - In the past, the isolation of coastal northern indigenous communities and the pristine quality of marine environment imparted a human health benefit.  Researchers working in collaboration with the Inuit community chronicle the changes taking place in the Arctic environment and Inuit health and society.

Of the Sea: Fishermen, Seafood, and Sustainability - Today, fishing is a rare and challenging way of life – the number of shing vessels in California has declined from over 6,900 in 1981 to just 1,800 vessels today. 

Thursday November 10, 2016 1:30pm - 3:15pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

2:00pm EST

INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: Virtual Reality 360 Filmmaking - UNDERWATER VR: Immerse Your Audience @ Palladium
Virtual Reality filmmakers Andy Casagrande and Thomas Hayden provide insider tips and tricks on how to capture and stitch the best underwater VR possible.

Areas of focus include media management, stitching and post-production techniques.  Virtual Reality is an entirely new medium that requires new workflows and new ways of thinking. Learn how to dive into VR video for the platforms of today and tomorrow!

BLUE Whale Pass Required (click here): Limited Capacity




Speakers
avatar for Andy Brandy Casagrande

Andy Brandy Casagrande

CINEMATOGRAPHER, ABC4EXPLORE
Andy Brandy Casagrande IV aka (ABC) is an Emmy Award winning cinematographer, field producer & television presenter specializing in blue-chip wildlife documentaries around the world.  From King Cobras & Killer Whales to Great Whites Sharks & Polar Bears Andy's innovative cinematography... Read More →
avatar for Thomas Hayden

Thomas Hayden

360Labs.net
Thomas brings over 10 years of panoramic imaging experience. He helped pioneer the currently exploding niche of 360º video, captured much of the photography for StreetView’s 2007 launch, and was among the first Google Trusted Photographers in the country.  He has produced 360... Read More →


Thursday November 10, 2016 2:00pm - 3:30pm EST
The Palladium Workshop Room 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

2:00pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'From Drifters to Dynamos: The Story of Plankton' | 'Sea of Life' | Discussion: Empowering Young Ocean Conservationists @ Palladium
Film Block and Discussion, Thursday, 2:00pm, Palladium Theater Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

From Drifters to Dynamos: The Story of Plankton - Most plankton are tiny drifters, wandering in a vast ocean. But where wind and currents converge they become part of a grander story: an explosion of vitality that affects all life on Earth, including our own.

Sea of Life - The ocean is the source of all life on earth and it’s in trouble. Sea of Life follows filmmaker Julia Barnes on an underwater adventure to discover the truth about the biggest threats facing the ocean and ultimately ourselves.

This session includes a discussion with filmmaker Julia Barnes and ocean advocate Sean Russell: 'Empowering Young Ocean Conservationists.'

Speakers
avatar for Julia Barnes

Julia Barnes

Director, Sea of Life
avatar for Sean Russell

Sean Russell

Director, Youth Ocean Conservation Summit
Sean Russell is a youth engagement strategist dedicated to empowering young people with the tools and motivation they need to become involved in leadership initiatives. Sean the founder and director of the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, an annual event held at Mote Marine Laboratory... Read More →


Thursday November 10, 2016 2:00pm - 3:45pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

3:15pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Coral Reefs: Trouble in Paradise' | 'Atlantic'
Film Block, Thursday, 3:15pm, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Coral Reefs: Trouble in Paradise - This film tells the story of an international scientific team in the Chagos Archipelago, a tropical paradise with some of the healthiest coral reefs on the planet.

Atlantic - Narrated by award-winning Brendan Gleeson, Atlantic follows the fortunes of three small  fishing communities - in Ireland, Norway and Newfoundland - as they struggle to maintain their way of life in the face of mounting economic and ecological challenges. 

Thursday November 10, 2016 3:15pm - 5:00pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

3:30pm EST

FILM BLOCK (Recommended Mature Audience): 'Fish Full of Dollars' | 'Tsunami Tuna: Free Billy'
Film Block, Thursday, 3:30pm, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

(Recommended Mature Audience due to content)

Tsunami Tuna: Free Billy
 - Tsunami Tuna is a giant radioactive tuna.  He and his sidekick, RAD, a bionic, ex-Navy albino dolphin, attempt to recruit a recently freed killer whale into there ‘fish army’ only to discover the 'killer' whale may not be up for the challenge.

Fish Full of Dollars - Indonesia is the number one shark fishing nation in the world. Sharks are targeted species at the Tanjung Luar fish market in Lombo.


Thursday November 10, 2016 3:30pm - 5:15pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

4:00pm EST

KEYNOTE Panel: 'Cuba's Environmental Future - What Normalizing Diplomatic Relations Means for Cuba's Sustainability' @ Palladium
Keynote Panel: Cuba’s Environmental Future – What Normalizing Diplomatic Relations with the U.S. Means for Cuba’s Sustainability | Thursday, 4:00pm, Palladium Theater | Tickets $15 (click here)

The past 50 years have seen extreme degradation to the environment, especially in the Caribbean, where tourism and associated coastal development has had a particularly severe impact. The Caribbean has lost 50 percent of its coral cover since 1970. However, many of Cuba's natural ecosystems, including coral reefs, remain remarkably healthy.

As relations normalize with the United States, Cuba faces unprecedented pressures from tourism, foreign investment, and development that threaten its ecosystems, architectural heritage, and culture. Normalized relations bring a new level of collaboration between the two countries, including important scientific and conservation efforts.

Is Cuba doomed to the same fate of the rest of the Caribbean?  Or will the country emerge as a shining green jewel of the Caribbean with a sustainable future and enduring protection for its natural heritage?

This high-level panel explores these issues in depth and brings us up-to-date on environmental agreements between Cuba and the U.S., as well as new initiatives, such as the Cuba-U.S. Sustainability Partnership (CUSP), that offer hope for the environmental future of both countries.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. David E. Guggenheim

Dr. David E. Guggenheim

Founder & President, Ocean Doctor
Dr. David E. Guggenheim is president of Ocean Doctor in Washington, DC. He is a marine scientist, conservation policy specialist, ocean explorer and educator, now in his 17th year leading marine research and conservation in Cuba. An Explorers Club National Fellow, Guggenheim piloted... Read More →


Thursday November 10, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

5:30pm EST

BLUE DRINKS Informal Networking @ Hotel Indigo Lobby Bar
Relax and mingle with filmmakers, scientists, artists, and entertainment executives during this informal networking reception at the Hotel Indigo bar and lobby.



Thursday November 10, 2016 5:30pm - 6:30pm EST
Hotel Indigo 234 3rd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

7:30pm EST

Opening Night FILM - 'Before the Flood' with Leonardo DiCaprio | 7:30pm @ Mahaffey
FILM BLOCK and WELCOME | Thurs.@ 7:30pm @ Mahaffey Theater | Opening Night Welcome, 'BEFORE THE FLOOD' Special Screening 

Tickets: film only - $25 (click here, select film only ticket), film and after party - $95 (click here, select film plus afterparty ticket)

Join us for a special opening night screening in the Mahaffey Theater.  Festival welcome from Mayor Rick Kriseman and Festival CEO Debbie Kinder.  Special screening of Before the Flood.  Leonardo DiCaprio travels the world exploring the impact of climate change.  Directed by Fisher Stevens, produced by Leo DiCaprio, with Executive Producer Martin Scorsese.  
After party to follow.

Open to all BLUE Whale Pass Holders and Patrons, as well as individual ticket holders.

Speakers
avatar for Debbie Kinder

Debbie Kinder

Co-Founder & CEO, BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit
Debbie Kinder is the co-founder of Make a Difference Media, the parent non-profit of the BLUE Ocean Film Festival.
avatar for Rick Kriseman

Rick Kriseman

Mayor, City of St. Petersburg



Thursday November 10, 2016 7:30pm - 9:30pm EST
The Mahaffey Theater 400 1st St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

9:30pm EST

OPENING NIGHT AFTER-PARTY | MAHAFFEY Upper Atrium Mahaffey Theater
Join us for our opening night celebration and networking upstairs in the Upper Atrium of the Mahaffey Theater.

Film & Party Combo ticket available for $95.00

Access to the party is include for BLUE Whale & Patron Pass holders and Sponsors 

Thursday November 10, 2016 9:30pm - 11:00pm EST
The Mahaffey Theater 400 1st St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
 
Friday, November 11
 

9:00am EST

INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: VIRTUAL REALITY 360 Filmmaking - UNDERWATER VR: Immerse Your Audience
Virtual Reality filmmakers Andy Casagrande and Thomas Hayden provide insider tips and tricks on how to capture and stitch the best underwater VR possible.
Areas of focus include media management, stitching and post-production techniques.  Virtual Reality is an entirely new medium that requires new workflows and new ways of thinking. Learn how to dive into VR video for the platforms of today and tomorrow!

4-DAY or 1-DAY BLUE Whale Pass Required: Limited Capacity





Speakers
avatar for Andy Brandy Casagrande

Andy Brandy Casagrande

CINEMATOGRAPHER, ABC4EXPLORE
Andy Brandy Casagrande IV aka (ABC) is an Emmy Award winning cinematographer, field producer & television presenter specializing in blue-chip wildlife documentaries around the world.  From King Cobras & Killer Whales to Great Whites Sharks & Polar Bears Andy's innovative cinematography... Read More →
avatar for Thomas Hayden

Thomas Hayden

360Labs.net
Thomas brings over 10 years of panoramic imaging experience. He helped pioneer the currently exploding niche of 360º video, captured much of the photography for StreetView’s 2007 launch, and was among the first Google Trusted Photographers in the country.  He has produced 360... Read More →


Friday November 11, 2016 9:00am - 10:30am EST
The Palladium Workshop Room 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

9:00am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Wastewater: A Widespread Threat and Missed Resource' | 'Fix Florida' | 'The Water Brothers: Acid Ocean' | 'Years of Living Dangerously' | Q&A with Filmmakers
Film Block, Friday, 9:00am, Palladium Theater Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Fix Florida - At one time, Florida was a waterman’s paradise, pristine estuaries and healthy fish populations. Recent events have put three of Florida’s estuaries in an environmental turmoil, but these events are not new, they are sparked from over a half century of development, agriculture and water mismanagement.

Wastewater: A Widespread Threat - This video shows the impacts of wastewater on human health, water bodies, and coastal ecosystems, and highlights how valuable wastewater can be when adequately managed.

Water Brothers: Acid Ocean
- This film introduces the audience to the issue of ocean acidification, something that few people understand, but one that has far reaching and devastating effects.

Years of Living Dangerously - Saving Miami with Jack Black
- If nothing is done to curb carbon emissions, Miami is in danger of being underwater by the end of the century.  Jack Black is there to find out if and how the city and other low-lying coastal areas can survive rising seas.  He finds a political and business community in denial and talks to a few lone legislators, residents, activists, and scientists trying to do something before it’s too late.

This session includes a Q&A with filmmakers. 

Friday November 11, 2016 9:00am - 10:45am EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

9:15am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Plastic Pollution: Our Oceans, Our Future' | 'Sea Turtles: The Lost Years' | 'Bad Tidings'
Film Block, Friday, 9:15am, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here) | Open to Pass holders (BLUE Whale, Film Frenzy, Patron)

Plastic Pollution: Our Oceans, Our Future
- Seventeen students from Hawaii examine the impact of plastic pollution on their beaches and envision a sustainable future for the world's oceans.

Sea Turtles: The Lost Years - After sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests, they vanish into the sea.  Until recently, their journey was largely shrouded in mystery. Now, as technology advances, researchers are beginning to understand where turtles go during their so-called “lost years.”

Bad Tidings - Three years after Hurricane Sandy, residents of a New Jersey shore town must cope with sea level rise projections that predict their homes will sink into the ocean.  This is the US Premier of Bad Tidings.

Friday November 11, 2016 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Sundial Muvico #20

9:30am EST

Veterans Day FILM BLOCK: 'Three Miles From Safety' | 'Sharks of War' | 'Sixty Feet of Freedom'
Happy Veterans Day!, Film Block, Friday, 9:30am, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here) | Veterans attend at no charge with proper ID (come to Hotel Indigo in advance of the Film Block to pick up your complimentary ticket).

Sixty Feet of Freedom - They lost their freedom fighting for ours, now they are determined to get it back.

Sharks of War - At the height of World War II, Navy headquarters received reports about horrific shark attacks on servicemen. Join Robert Cantrell and his team as they dive among the sharks of World War II. Understand why sharks attacked servicemen and why divers can swim among these dangerous sharks, even after sundown.

Three Miles From Safety - When you think of the might and power of the U.S. Navy, the first thing that comes to mind is not likely to be a tugboat. More likely, you picture a formidable aircraft carrier or a well-armed battleship, operated by hundreds and often thousands of sailors. A tug is an afterthought, if it's a thought at all. So why is the USS Conestoga - a Navy fleet tug - so important?

Friday November 11, 2016 9:30am - 11:15am EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

10:30am EST

INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: 'Inside the BBC: Insights for Developing Co-Pro Partnerships'
Industry Workshop, Friday, 10:30am, Palladium Workshop | BLUE Whale Pass Required

Inside the BBC with Executive Producers James Honeyborne and Mark Brownlow 

Speakers
avatar for Mark Brownlow

Mark Brownlow

Executive Producer, BBC Natural History Unit
'Ocean' (NHU) Multi-part series for BBC & World-wide In 2001, the BBC led the world with the multi award-winning Blue Planet; now it plans to return to the planet’s oceans. More marine species have been discovered in the past decade than ever before, with an average of 2,000 discoveries... Read More →


Friday November 11, 2016 10:30am - 11:00am EST
The Palladium Workshop Room 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

11:00am EST

KEYNOTE Panel: 'Climate Change: Global Agreements, Local Implications
Keynote Panel, Friday, 11:00am, Palladium Theater | Tickets: $15.00

'Climate Change: Global Agreements, Local Implications'

Panelists include St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman; Dr. Robert Richmond, University of Hawaii; Dr. Seneshaw Tsegaye, Patel College of Global Sustainability, USF.  Moderated by Charlotte Vick, Mission Blue.

Moderators
avatar for Charlotte Vick

Charlotte Vick

Charlotte's work with the Foundation began in early 2008, when she jumped at the chance to support Dr. Earle and Google in the development of the new "Explore the Ocean" layer. She helps develop compel-ling stories about marine life, science and exploration, ocean and atmosphere... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Rick Kriseman

Rick Kriseman

Mayor, City of St. Petersburg
avatar for Dr. Bob Richmond

Dr. Bob Richmond

Professor, University of Hawaii
Dr. Robert "Bob" Richmond is a research professor, Pew Fellow and director of the University of Hawaii’s Kewalo Marine Laboratory. Bob has spent his career studying coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean and the Pacific, including the Virgin Islands, the Grenadines, the Galapagos... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Robertson

Sarah Robertson

Director/Producer, Arctic Bear Productions
My Focus has been on the Arctic Ocean and environment and lately on describing the science and political policies that effect Arctic systems. I come to the festival with my film, Sea Blind, the Price of Shipping Our Stuff to tell the story of northern hemispheric shipping, it's... Read More →


Friday November 11, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

11:15am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Green Fins for a Blue Planet' | 'Beneath the Bridge' | 'Above & Below Socorro' | 'The Grouper Mystery'
Film Block, Friday, 11:15am, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here)

Green Fins for a Blue Planet - Divers and snorkelers can enhance environmental and economic sustainability through the Green Fins certification program.

Beneath the Bridge - The Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach, Florida, is known as one of the best shore dives in the United States. It’s home to a rich variety of marine life, attracting underwater photographers and a scientist who studies how two species of octopus co-exist there.

Above & Below Socorro
- A world champion free diver and crew travel to Florian, where they experience diving with manta rays, sharks, and marine mammals.

The Grouper Mystery
- Every year, thousands of grouper gather in secret in the Southern pass of Fakarava in French Polynesia, followed by hundreds of sharks. 

Friday November 11, 2016 11:15am - 1:15pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

11:30am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Endless' | 'Killer Whales: The Mega Hunt'
Film Block, Friday, 11:30am, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here)

Endless - Music Video

Killer Whales: The Mega Hunt
 - An epic mega-hunt has been discovered in the waters of False Bay, South Africa, with six deadly and intelligent killer whales hunting 5,000 common dolphins. 

Friday November 11, 2016 11:30am - 1:00pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

11:30am EST

12:15pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'I Am Morgan: Stolen Freedom' | 'Whale Aware' | 'Sonic Sea' | Q&A Panel
Film Block, Friday, 12:15pm, Palladium Theater Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here)

I Am Morgan: Stolen Freedom - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see the world from an orca's point of view? Find out in 4 compelling minutes in this short film.

Whale Aware
- Whale Aware is the story of how a mobile app is being used to decrease the number of whale strikes by ships in busy shipping lanes in the US.

Sonic Sea
- Oceans are a sonic symphony. Sound is essential to the survival and prosperity of marine life.  But man-made ocean noise is threatening this fragile world.

This session includes a Q&A with filmmakers and scientists.

Speakers
avatar for Ingrid Visser

Ingrid Visser

Founder, Orca Research Trust
With a passion for orca since she was a child, Dr Ingrid Visser has researched the ocean’s top predator for more than 20 years.  Swimming with orca on a regular basis, to gain insights into their lives and the various orca cultures around the world, Ingrid’s research focuses... Read More →


Friday November 11, 2016 12:15pm - 2:00pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

1:15pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'I Am Ocean: Chad Wiggins' | 'Living Fossils' | 'Value of Life' | 'Ocean Heroines'
Film Block, Friday, 1:15pm, Sundial Muvico Theater #19 Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here)

I am Ocean: Chad Wiggins - Chad Wiggins, marine scientist, diver, and spear fisherman, shares his personal connection to the coral reefs in Hawai'i and his motivation to do everything he can to ensure this diverse, yet fragile habitat endures.

Living Fossils
- In the deep, dark waters off the coast of Roatan, Honduras, strange flowerlike animals flourish. These sea lilies and feather stars, known as Crinoids, have been around in various forms since before the age of dinosaurs.

Value of Life -
Humanity is going through a critical period, in all aspects: we are all affected in the form of economic, financial, social and environmental crises, to mention a few. 

Ocean Heroines
- This film follows six heroines who have dedicating their lives to save the worlds most important ecosystem.


Friday November 11, 2016 1:15pm - 3:00pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

1:30pm EST

FILM BLOCK: Virtual Reality Lounge, 'The Crystal Reef'
Virtual Reality Experience:  Palladium Workshop Room

The Crystal Reef
 is a short, immersive, virtual reality experience.  Use your hands to swim and examine marine life.  Dive through a digital replica of the reefs of Ischia, Italy, and learn about how these reefs show the future of all the world’s oceans.

Open to BLUE Whale Pass Holders and Patrons.  The Crystal Reef VR experience will be available on demand throughout the Festival. 

Friday November 11, 2016 1:30pm - 1:45pm EST
The Palladium Workshop Room 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

1:30pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'We're Oyster Farmers' | '$2 Million Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health X-Prize' | 'Saving Jamaica Bay'
Film Block, Friday, 1:30pm, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here)

We're Oyster Farmers - A fisherman, a scientist, out to change the waters one oyster at a time (no trailer available).

$2 million Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health X-Prize 

Saving Jamaica Bay - Saving Jamaica Bay tells the story of how one communitycfought official neglect and Hurricane Sandy to clean up and restore the largest open space in New York City, which had become a dumping ground for garbage, sewage, and bullet-riddled mobsters. 


Friday November 11, 2016 1:30pm - 3:00pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

2:00pm EST

INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: 'Finding the Funding'; Film/Program Financing Insights & Tips with Michael Cain
Industry Workshop: 'Finding the Funding'   with Michael Cain    BLUE Whale Pass Required
Insights on sources of film financing 

Speakers
avatar for Michael Cain

Michael Cain

Michael Cain | President A native of Dallas, Michael received a Master in Fine Arts | Producing from the American Film Institute (AFI) where he was granted the honor of commencement speaker.  It was there that he realized film could be used to “change the world.” His career... Read More →


Friday November 11, 2016 2:00pm - 2:30pm EST
The Palladium Workshop Room 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

2:30pm EST

KEYNOTE Panel: 'Ocean Exploration: The Next Step' | Panelists include Scott Parazynski, Oliver Steeds, Bruce Sutphen, Erika Bergman, Sylvia Earle
Keynote Panel, Friday, 2:30pm, Palladium Theater | Tickets: $15 (click here)

Ocean Exploration: The Next Step

Panelists include Scott Parazynski, Oliver Steeds, Bruce Sutphen, Erika Bergman, Sylvia Earle.  Moderated by Colleen Hahn.

Moderators
avatar for Colleen Hahn

Colleen Hahn

CEO, Gryphon Media Strategies
Colleen Hahn is the President and CEO of Gryphon Media Strategies, a strategic marketing, communications and sponsor procurement company.  For over 25 years, Hahn has focused on clients that span a wide range of industries with one common value: affecting change through technological... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Erika Bergman

Erika Bergman

Founder, Global Engineering and Exploration Counselors
Erika Bergman is a submersible pilot, a virtual reality engineer, and a passionate ocean explorer. She studied chemical oceanography at the University of Washington while working as a diesel engineer and a steam ship engineer. Since then she has worked as a submersible pilot for... Read More →
avatar for Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle

Founder, Mission Blue/Sylvia Earle Alliance
Winner of the 2009 TED Prize and National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence, Dr. Sylvia A. Earle is a tireless advocate for our ocean. The legendary marine scientist and deep sea explorer has received numerous distinguished awards including being named a "Living Legend... Read More →
avatar for Scott Parazynski

Scott Parazynski

A highly decorated veteran of five spaceflights, Scott has spent over eight weeks in space and 47 hours on spacewalks. He played a vital role during the construction of the International Space Station and was inducted into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. Having trained at Stanford... Read More →
avatar for Oliver Steeds

Oliver Steeds

Mission Director, Nekton
Oliver Steeds, Nekton Mission Director, Submersible PilotOliver is a ‘leading ocean explorer’ (Economist 2016), ‘part Captain Nemo, part Steve Zissou’ (Daily Telegraph, October 2016), founder of Nekton, responsible for developing Nekton's mission strategy, running operations... Read More →
avatar for Bruce Sutphen

Bruce Sutphen

Bruce Sutphen – Director of Engineering and Technology, Remote Ocean Systems Owner/Founder, Sutphen Marine LLC, San Diego CA. Bruce’s professional career spans three decades in the marine industry, focusing on performance projects, including: grand prix yachting, high speed stealth... Read More →


Friday November 11, 2016 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

3:30pm EST

INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: 'Speed Pitching: Filmmakers Pitch Potential Funder or Network'
This is speed-pitching for filmmakers.  Filmmakers have a rare, in-person, 7-minute, one-on-one opportunity to pitch a film concept to a funder or network partner.

A BLUE Whale Pass is required for this session.  Participants must register.  Please email jessica@blueoceanfilmfestival.org to reserve your spot.

Commissioners:
James Honeyborne - BBC
Shari Sant Plummer - Code Blue Foundation
Mark Brownlow - BBC
Joy Galane - Smithsonian Channel

Speakers
avatar for Mark Brownlow

Mark Brownlow

Executive Producer, BBC Natural History Unit
'Ocean' (NHU) Multi-part series for BBC & World-wide In 2001, the BBC led the world with the multi award-winning Blue Planet; now it plans to return to the planet’s oceans. More marine species have been discovered in the past decade than ever before, with an average of 2,000 discoveries... Read More →
JG

Joy Galane

Executive Producer, Smithsonian Channel
avatar for Shari Sant Plummer

Shari Sant Plummer

President, Code Blue Foundation
Shari Sant Plummer is President of Code Blue Charitable Foundation, Secretary/Trustee of the Summit Charitable Foundation, Vice President/Trustee of Seacology, Board Member of the Deep Search Foundation, Board Member of the International League of Conservation Photographers, member... Read More →


Friday November 11, 2016 3:30pm - 4:00pm EST
The Palladium Workshop Room 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

4:00pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'This Moment' | 'Chapter One' | Q&A with Susi Mai
Film Block, Friday, 4:00pm, Palladium Theater Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

This Moment - This film is a visual poem dedicated to surfing, in particular to that moment when you are out there in the ocean and your body and soul become one with nature.

Chapter One
- This film introduces viewers to the most exciting action sport on the planet and writes the first chapter of kiteboarding history.

This session includes a Q&A with pro kiteboarder Susi Mai.


Speakers
avatar for Susi Mai

Susi Mai

President, MaiTai Global
I am a professional kitesurfer and run an ocean conservation non-profit organization, happy to talk about anything and everything :)


Friday November 11, 2016 4:00pm - 5:45pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

6:15pm EST

Making Waves VIP RECEPTION: Accessible to BLUE Whale Pass Holders and Sponsors @ Don Cesar
6:15p - 7:15p Don Cesar South Beach Pavillion Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico:
This reception is a special event for BLUE Whale Pass Holders and Festival Sponsors.

Friday November 11, 2016 6:15pm - 7:15pm EST
Don Cesar Hotel 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

7:30pm EST

MAKING WAVES AWARDS Dinner | Honoring David Shaw Don Cesar Grand Ballroom
Awards Dinner, Friday, 7:30pm, Don Cesar Hotel | Open to BLUE Whale Day Pass holders, Patrons and Sponsors.

2016 Making Waves Award will be presented to entrepreneur, ocean conservation pioneer, and filmmaker David E. Shaw.

Individual Awards Dinner Tickets available for $125.
David is being recognized for his leadership in ocean conservation, environmental stewardship, and his commitment to exploring how science and other forms of creativity can intersect to benefit the future of our planet.

A finalist in this year's film competition, his documentary, Second Century Stewardship: Science Beyond the Scenery in Acadia National Park, was recently released on the occasion of the historic 2016 centennial celebrations of Acadia National Park and the US National Park Service. The recipient of numerous distinguished awards and honorary doctorates, David possesses many talents.  He is founder of Blackpoint Group, Treasurer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a director of the National Parks Foundation, and a founding Advisory Board member to Curiosity Stream. BLUE is honored to recognize this extraordinary and inspirational individual. 

Speakers
avatar for David Shaw

David Shaw

Blackpoint Group


Friday November 11, 2016 7:30pm - 9:30pm EST
Don Cesar Hotel 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
 
Saturday, November 12
 

9:00am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'The Hunt: Hunger at Sea' | 'Tropical Sea of Peru' | 'The Legacy' | 'Fully Aquatic' | Q&A with Filmmaker
Film Block, Saturday, 9:00am, Palladium Theater Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Tropical Sea of Peru
- honorable mention

The Legacy
- Several species have disappeared from where there used to be healthy populations.  An example of this was the Giant Pacific Manta Ray that disappeared off the Gulf of California.

Fully Aquatic
- Fully Aquatic explores the possible consequences of taking the Florida manatee off the endangered species list.

The Hunt: Hunger at Sea
- This series investigates the dramatic relationships between marine predator and prey.

This session includes a Q&A with The Hunt filmmaker, Hugh Pearson.
 

Speakers
avatar for Hugh Pearson

Hugh Pearson

Senior Producer, Silverback Films
Hugh produces world-class films about the natural world and his particular specialty is filming wildlife in the oceans. Hugh worked at the BBC for nearly 20 years on BAFTA and Emmy award winning programmes such as The Blue Planet, Africa and Nature’s Great Events. Now at Silverback... Read More →


Saturday November 12, 2016 9:00am - 10:45am EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

9:15am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Aliens from the Deep: A Guy Harvey Expedition' | 'Herald of the Sea' | 'After the Spill' | Q&A with Filmmaker
Film Block, Saturday 9:15am, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here)

Aliens from the Deep: A Guy Harvey Expedition - Join legendary marine life artist Dr Guy Harvey to look at the spread of lionfish across the western Atlantic.

Herald of the Sea
- Trace the ecological impact of oysters.

After the Spill - Years after BP's Deepwater Horizon exploded and sank in April 2010, has life returned to normal along Louisiana's coastline? Or has it been changed forever?

This session includes a Q&A with After the Spill filmmaker Jon Bowermaster.

Speakers
avatar for Jon Bowermaster

Jon Bowermaster

President, Oceans 8 Films
A six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council and award-winning writer and filmmaker Bowermaster was recently named one of a dozen Ocean Heroes by the NGS. His websites and blogs (‘Notes from Sea Level,’ www.jonbowermaster.com) continue his reporting on the world’s coastlines and the people who live along them.Author of twelve books, he also writer, director and producer of twenty documentary films, most recently “Antarctica 3D, On the Edge,” “Sink or Swim, Learning the Crawl in the Maldives... Read More →


Saturday November 12, 2016 9:15am - 11:00am EST
Sundial Muvico #20

9:30am EST

INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: Photography Masterclass: 'How to Shoot for Competitions' with Michael Aw | One-on-One Mentoring | BLUE Whale Pass Required

Indsutry Workshop: Photography Masterclass: 'How to Shoot for Competitions' with Michael Aw | One-on-One Mentoring | BLUE Whale Pass Required

Limited availability.  Pre-registration will open on Nov. 7th.

This is a very special opportunity to be mentored by one of the world's best underwater photographers, Michael Aw. This Masterclass outlines the essentials and provides tips and insights for competing successfully in photography contests.

This Masterclass is suitable for the amateur or up and coming professional interested in being at the top in photography competitions. Michael will also provide one-on-one mentoring. If you would like input on some of your best photos, bring 4-6 images for Michael to evaluate with you.

About Michael Aw
Michael AW is the author of over 30 books, explorer, professional photographer and avid conservationist. His accolades include wining more than 63 international awards and being named as one of the world’s most influential nature photographers by Outdoor Photography. In 2013 he was awarded the NOGI for Arts by the American Academy of Underwater Arts and Science. His essays and pictures have been featured in BBC Wildlife, National Geographic, the Smithsonian, Nature, Ocean Geographic, Times, Nature Focus to name just a few.

His latest book is the “Essential Underwater Photography Masterclass'. Michael is a Senior Fellow of International League of Conservation Photographers and Fellow International of the Explorer Club whose members include Roald Amundsen, Neil Armstrong, and Sylvia Earle.


Speakers
avatar for Michael Aw

Michael Aw

Professional Underwater Photographer; Publisher of Ocean Geographic, Ocean Geographic



Saturday November 12, 2016 9:30am - 11:00am EST
The Palladium Workshop Room 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

9:30am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Fish Fact Fun' | 'You're Not Hallucinating, That's Just Squid Skin' | 'See With Sandy' | 'My Haggan Dream' | 'American Samoa Culture: Youth in Conservation' | 'Changing Seas Series: Saving Sawfish'
Film Block, Saturday, 9:30am, Sundial Muvico Theater #19 Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Fish Fact Fun

You're Not Hallucinating, That's Just Squid Skin - For an animal with such a humble name, market squid have a spectacularly hypnotic appearance. Streaks and waves of color flicker and radiate across their skin.

See With Sandy - Another great adventure with Sandy.

My Haggan Dream - A young island girl dreams of a mysterious haggan, or sea turtle, that sends her on a quest to investigate the sea turtles that nest and swim near her home.  This is a screening premier for My Haggan Dream.

American Samoa Culture: Youth in Conservation

Changing Seas Series: Saving Sawfish - The strange, prehistoric-looking Smalltooth Sawfish were once coveted by anglers as popular trophy fish. But habitat loss and overfishing have greatly reduced the animals’ range and landed them on the endangered species list. 

Saturday November 12, 2016 9:30am - 11:00am EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

11:00am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Kick Plastic: Home Front' | 'Book of Marine Protected Areas' | 'CO(2)ld Waters' | 'Second Century Stewardship: Acadia National Park' | Q&A with Filmmaker
Film Block, Saturday, 11:00am, Palladium Theater Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Kick Plastic: Home Front

Book of Marine Protected Areas - This short film tells a true story of the depletion of the Mediterranean Sea.

CO(2)ld Waters
- All of the legendary trout streams across the US are sustained by cold water from the mountains, but in the wake of diminishing snowpack, catastrophic floods, and stream closures due to hot summer water, legendary names in the fly fishing community have something to say to fellow anglers.

Second Century Stewardship: Acadia National Park
- At the dawn of the second century for the US National Parks and Acadia National Park, the opportunity exists to more powerfully engage science for the benefit of the parks and society.

Includes a special Q&A with Second Century Stewarship filmmaker and BLUE 2016 Making Waves Award winner, David Shaw.

Speakers
avatar for David Shaw

David Shaw

Blackpoint Group


Saturday November 12, 2016 11:00am - 12:30pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

11:15am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Thailand's Seafood Slaves' | 'The Water Brothers: Ocean Spies' | 'An Ocean Mystery: The Missing Catch'
Film Block, Saturday, 11:15am, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Thailand's Seafood Slaves - Human trafficking, slavery, and murder in Kantang's seafood industry. 

The Water Brothers: Ocean Spies - One of the greatest crimes against nature plays out daily on the high seas. Outlaw vessels are participation in illegal fishing on an industrial scale. 

An Ocean Mystery: The Missing Catch - Follow the work of the world's premier fisheries scientist, Dr Daniel Pauly, as he discovers the true quantity of fish we have caught, and the real speed at which we are running out of fish.


Saturday November 12, 2016 11:15am - 1:00pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

11:30am EST

INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: 'Speed Pitching: Scientists Pitch Producers'
This is speed-pitching for scientists. Television producers are always on the lookout for great stories and interesting information. Scientists have 7 minutes to share a concept for a great TV program.

A BLUE Whale Pass is required for this session.  Participants must register.  Please email jessica@blueoceanfilmfestival.org to reserve your spot.

Commissioners:
Alexa Elliott - WPBT2 
Mark Brownlow - BBC
Gianna Savoie - Ocean Media Institute
Charles Poe - Smithsonian Channel 

Speakers
avatar for Mark Brownlow

Mark Brownlow

Executive Producer, BBC Natural History Unit
'Ocean' (NHU) Multi-part series for BBC & World-wide In 2001, the BBC led the world with the multi award-winning Blue Planet; now it plans to return to the planet’s oceans. More marine species have been discovered in the past decade than ever before, with an average of 2,000 discoveries... Read More →
avatar for Alexa Elliott

Alexa Elliott

Series Producer, WPBT2
Alexa is the Series Producer with WPBT2 'Changing Seas'.  She has 20 years of experience as a journalist working in public media. Her work has garnered multiple awards, including the prestigious Communication Award from the National Academies of Sciences, as well as several regional... Read More →
avatar for Charles Poe

Charles Poe

Senior Vice President of Production, Smithsonian Channel
Senior Vice President of Production, Smithsonian Channel.  Charles guides the editorial process for all original programming and international co-productions for Smithsonian Channel, a joint venture between the Smithsonian Institution and Showtime. He served as Executive Producer... Read More →
avatar for Gianna Savoie

Gianna Savoie

Executive Director, Ocean Media Institute
Gianna Savoie is an award-winning documentary producer, writer, and professor with nearly two decades of experience in Natural History filmmaking and a penchant for powerful storytelling that has led her to sink her teeth into some of the most critical conservation issues on the planet... Read More →


Saturday November 12, 2016 11:30am - 12:00pm EST
The Palladium Workshop Room 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

11:30am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'The Secret Sex Life of Fish' | 'Fishing for Science: Giant Trevally' | 'What We Fish For'
Film Block, Saturday, 11:30am, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

The Secret Sex Life of Fish - Fish are the most diverse group of vertebrates on the planet, ranging from the gigantic whale shark to the tinniest minnow.  Because of their diversity, fish have evolved very varied reproductive strategies that aren’t widely known by the general public.

Fishing for Science: Giant Trevally 
- Giant Trevally is revered by many cultures and prized by sportfishermen around the globe. Little is known about the interconnectivity of populations of this important species found throughout coastal waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans.

What We Fish For 
- This film is a rare chance to go eyeball to eyeball with the fish we love in their own world.  Join four friends as they each follow their hearts to come to terms with what drives them to go fishing.

Saturday November 12, 2016 11:30am - 1:15pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

1:00pm EST

KEYNOTE Panel: 'Can a Film Change the World?' @ Palladium
Keynote Panel, Saturday, 1:00pm, Palladium Theater | Tickets $15 (click here)

Leveraging the Impact of Film - John Hoffman, Discovery Channel; BBC; Jeff Orlowski, Chasing Ice; Jon Bowermaster, After the Spill; Oliver Steeds, Nekton; moderated by Shari Sant Plummer, Code Blue, Mission Blue

Filmmakers often have lofty goals when they set out to make a documentary on a conservation issue, sometimes assuming that just shining a light on the subject is enough. But, what does it really take to get people to watch your film, and then take action to create change? Our panelists will discuss their different strategies for getting audiences to watch and respond to media in a way that can truly change the world.



Moderators
avatar for Shari Sant Plummer

Shari Sant Plummer

President, Code Blue Foundation
Shari Sant Plummer is President of Code Blue Charitable Foundation, Secretary/Trustee of the Summit Charitable Foundation, Vice President/Trustee of Seacology, Board Member of the Deep Search Foundation, Board Member of the International League of Conservation Photographers, member... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jon Bowermaster

Jon Bowermaster

President, Oceans 8 Films
A six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council and award-winning writer and filmmaker Bowermaster was recently named one of a dozen Ocean Heroes by the NGS. His websites and blogs (‘Notes from Sea Level,’ www.jonbowermaster.com) continue his reporting on the world’s coastlines and the people who live along them.Author of twelve books, he also writer, director and producer of twenty documentary films, most recently “Antarctica 3D, On the Edge,” “Sink or Swim, Learning the Crawl in the Maldives... Read More →
avatar for John Hoffman

John Hoffman

EVP Documentaries & Specials, Discovery Communications, LLC
avatar for Oliver Steeds

Oliver Steeds

Mission Director, Nekton
Oliver Steeds, Nekton Mission Director, Submersible PilotOliver is a ‘leading ocean explorer’ (Economist 2016), ‘part Captain Nemo, part Steve Zissou’ (Daily Telegraph, October 2016), founder of Nekton, responsible for developing Nekton's mission strategy, running operations... Read More →


Saturday November 12, 2016 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

1:15pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Tiger Sharks Fight for Survival' | 'Shark Rescue' | 'Hunt for the Super Predator' | 'Great White Lies'
Film Block, Saturday, 1:15pm, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Tiger Sharks Fight for Survival

Shark Rescue


Hunt for the Super Predator


Great White Lies


Saturday November 12, 2016 1:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

1:45pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'A Plastic Ocean' | 'A Visit to the Trash Museum' | 'Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup: The West Coast Trail'
Film Block, Saturday, 1:30pm, Muvico Sundial #20 Theater Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

A Plastic Ocean - Journalist Craig Leeson is searching for the elusive blue whale, but discovers plastic waste in what should be pristine ocean. 

A Visit to the Trash Museum - This series voyages the world, featuring cities and exploring a topic that's relevant to the environment or aquatic life. 

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup: The West Coast Trail - Ocean debris is a large and growing threat to our oceans. Can just 10 people make a dfference? 



Speakers
avatar for Christopher Chin

Christopher Chin

Executive Director and Founder, COARE
Christopher Chin is an internationally recognized expert in ocean policy and conservation issues, and has provided valuable and persuasive testimony to various governing and legislative bodies in the U.S. and in Canada, and is one of the nation's leading experts in single-use plastics... Read More →


Saturday November 12, 2016 1:45pm - 3:30pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

2:00pm EST

2:15pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Sea Blind: The Price of Shipping Our Stuff' | Q&A with Filmmaker
Film Block, Saturday, 2:15pm, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Sea Blind: The Price of Shipping Our Stuff - 90% of everything we buy comes to us via ship. Globalization and modern shipping has defined our age and and yet we are blind to this industry. Container shipping is cheap and uses the dirtiest fuel on the planet. Because of Arctic melt, vessels will have access to a shortcut across the top of the world.

This session includes a Q&A with Sea Blind filmmaker Sarah Robertson.

Speakers
avatar for Sarah Robertson

Sarah Robertson

Director/Producer, Arctic Bear Productions
My Focus has been on the Arctic Ocean and environment and lately on describing the science and political policies that effect Arctic systems. I come to the festival with my film, Sea Blind, the Price of Shipping Our Stuff to tell the story of northern hemispheric shipping, it's... Read More →


Saturday November 12, 2016 2:15pm - 3:45pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

3:30pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'RiverBlue' | US Premier
Film Block, Saturday, 3:30pm, Sundial Muvico | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

RiverBlue - US Premier; Narrated by long-time water supporter Jason Priestley, RiverBlue follows internationally celebrated river conservationist, Mark Angelo, on an around the world journey-by-river that uncovers the dark side of the fashion industry. 

Saturday November 12, 2016 3:30pm - 5:30pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

3:45pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Souls of the Vermilion Sea: Searching for Vaquita' | 'Empire of a Sailor' | 'Land Locked Ocean' | 'On the Line'
Film Block, Saturday, 3:45pm, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here)

Souls of the Vermilion Sea: Searching for Vaquita -Where harsh desert meets the sea, marine researchers struggle to save the vaquita, a unique species of porpoise, from extinction.

Empire of a Sailor - The story of a solitary sailors finale ocean navigation.

Land Locked Ocean - A documentary highlighting SCUBA divers and the inland ocean movement, with hope to inspire others.

On the Line - For Chris Moore, at age twenty-five life on a sailboat is more than just loyalty to a dream or minimalism, it is an acute concern for the vitality of our oceans.

This session includes a Q&A with filmmakers from Souls of the Vermilion Sea, Empire of a Sailor, and Land Locked Ocean.

Saturday November 12, 2016 3:45pm - 5:45pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

4:00pm EST

KEYNOTE Panel: 'Building The Blue Movement: Art + Science + Communication' | Wallace J. Nichols & Artist Henthorne @ Palladium
Keynote Panel, Saturday, 4:00pm, Palladium Theater | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Author Wallace J. Nichols and Artist Henthorne present 'Building The Blue Movement: Art + Science + Communication.'

An ocean story based in fear, guilt, and facts has proven ineffective. Talking points based in 1980’s factoids and percentages are boring. How will the next generation of ocean advocates inspire solutions, creativity, and action? Love, neuroscience, art, passion, psychology, creative disequilibrium, and unstoppability.

Speakers
avatar for Henthorne

Henthorne

Henthorne Art Foto
Henthorne is an international award-winning artist who works in the medium of high contrast black and white photography. Influenced primarily by his passion for the oceans of the world, these intersections of ocean and earth provide the backdrop for his minimalistic ethereal visions... Read More →
avatar for Wallace J. Nichols

Wallace J. Nichols

New York Times Best Seller, Blue Mind - Reconnect with Water
Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols is a scientist, wild water advocate, movement-­‐maker, New York Times bestselling author, and dad. His research and expeditions have taken him to coasts and waterways across North, Central and South America, to Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. This... Read More →


Saturday November 12, 2016 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

6:45pm EST

FINALIST FILMMAKER Champagne Reception: Don Cesar South Terrace
Open to all BLUE 2016 Film Finalists and BLUE Whale, Patrons, and Sponsors.

Celebrate our filmmakers who have achieved excellence. 

Saturday November 12, 2016 6:45pm - 7:45pm EST
Don Cesar Hotel 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

8:00pm EST

BLUE CARPET AWARDS and GALA
Blue Carpet Awards and Gala | Tickets: $125

Come walk the BLUE carpet as we present awards and celebrate stars in ocean filmmaking. 

Saturday November 12, 2016 8:00pm - Sunday November 13, 2016 12:00am EST
Don Cesar Hotel 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
 
Sunday, November 13
 

10:00am EST

KEYNOTE: 'In Conversation With' John Hoffman, Discovery Channel @ MUVICO Theater
Industry Keynote, Sunday, 10:00am, Sundial Muvico #19 | BLUE Whale Pass Required

Join us for a very special 'In Conversation With' session with John Hoffman, EVP of Documentaries and Specials for Discovery Channel.

Speakers
avatar for John Hoffman

John Hoffman

EVP Documentaries & Specials, Discovery Communications, LLC


Sunday November 13, 2016 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

10:30am EST

11:00am EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Below the Bay' | '26 Years and Counting' | 'Dispatches from the Gulf'
Film Block, Sunday, 11:00am, Sundial Muvico Theater 19 | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Below the Bay - This short film shows how naturally occurring species of seagrass brought Tampa Bay's water quality back from the brink.

26 Years & Counting - The 1989 Exxon-Valdez oil spill became a generation's defining set of images and stories for what happens when environmental tragedy spreads.

Dispatches from the Gulf
- Six years after Deepwater Horizon – the biggest oil spill in U.S. history – a global team of scientists is working together to understand its environmental impact on humans. 

Speakers
avatar for Samantha Joy

Samantha Joy

Distinguished Professor, University of Georgia
I am an oceanographer, microbiologist, and deep sea explorer who studies the role of the oceans in global elemental cycles, how the oceans respond to acute and chronic perturbation, and how microorganisms metabolize oil and gas that is released naturally from seeps as well as hydrocarbons... Read More →
avatar for Bill Mills

Bill Mills

Director/Cinematographer, Digital Cinema HD
As a Cinematographer and Field Producer, Bill Mills has circled the globe filming projects for National Geographic, CBS's 60 Minutes, BBC Television, Discovery, NOVA, PBS, History Channel, and a wide range of corporate clients. Since 1997, he has been CEO for BMA Production Services... Read More →


Sunday November 13, 2016 11:00am - 12:45pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

12:30pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Ocean Voices: Stories of the Mexican Seas' | 'Cozumel: Underground Secrets' | 'Beneath the Surface' | 'Between Two Harbors'
Film Block, Thursday, 12:30pm, Sundial Muvico Theater #20 | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Ocean Voices: Stories of the Mexican Seas- Cozumel: Underground Secrets

Beneath the Surface - Daniel Ennett attempts to become the first scuba certified quadruple amputee. And then the sharks show up.

Between Two Harbors - A documentary revealing the transformative and healing powers of the ocean.

Sunday November 13, 2016 12:30pm - 2:00pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

1:00pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Chrome' | 'The Private Lives of Salmon' | 'The Memory of Fish'
Film Block, Sunday, 1:00pm, Sundial Muvico Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

Chrome - This film condenses a five-day adventure into eleven epic minutes. It also examines the looming threat that climate change and ocean acidification pose to our steelhead and salmon.

The Private Lives of Salmon - Catch a rare underwater look at wild Alaskan salmon on the spawning grounds as they complete the most important act of their lives--bringing on the next generation. Award winning writer-naturalist Richard Nelson explains the intricately choreographed mating dance of salmon.

The Memory of Fish - This documentary portrays of the intertwined lives of Dick Goin and wild fish, and his fight to free a river. The Elwha River’s salmon fed Dick and his family after they migrated to the Olympic Peninsula during the Dust Bowl, and Dick never forgot his debt to the now disappearing fish.

This session includes a Q&A with filmmakers.

Sunday November 13, 2016 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

2:15pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Saving West Africa's Coastal Assets' | 'Years of Living Dangerously: Fueling the Fire'
Film Block, Sunday, 2:15pm, Muvico Theater #20  | Tickets: $12.50 (click here)

Saving West Africa's Coastal Assets - West Africa’s coastal areas host an abundance of natural resources, on land and at sea, that provide vital ecosystem services and help buffer against severe weather events.  However, erosion and coastal flooding are taking lives and reducing productivity in West Africa. They are the most visible evidence of the climate changes affecting the region’s coastal areas. 

Years of Living Dangerously: Fueling the Fire - Featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gisele Bündchen


Sunday November 13, 2016 2:15pm - 3:30pm EST
Sundial Muvico #20

2:30pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Tampa Bay Water Story' | 'The Forgotten Coast' | Q&A: How Citizen Science Can Make A Difference
Film Block, Sunday, 2:30pm, Palladium Theater Lineup | Tickets $12.50 (click here)

The Forgotten Coast - Following in the footsteps of a wandering Florida black bear, three friends discover a lost American wilderness that may transform the way we see the natural world. 

Tampa Bay Water Story
- The Tampa Bay estuary holds unique characteristics and requires us all to play an active role in keeping our coastal communities healthy. It's a collaborative effort to monitor, maintain and care for Tampa Bay and it is an example of years of work that turned the tides on poor conditions several decades ago.

This session includes a Q&A with filmmakers.  Topic 'How Citizen Science Can Make A Difference.'

Speakers
avatar for Carlton Ward Jr

Carlton Ward Jr

Carlton Ward Photography


Sunday November 13, 2016 2:30pm - 4:00pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

2:45pm EST

FILM BLOCK: 'Ocean Voices: Stories of the Mexican Seas - Puerto Morelos: Caribbean Reefs' | 'Black Tide'
Film Block, Sunday, 2:45pm, Sundial Muvico Theater #19 Lineup | Tickets: $12.50 (click here)

Ocean Voices: Stories of the Mexican Seas - Puerto Morelos: Caribbean Reefs

Black Tide - In the time of 'guacamole lagoons,' this timely documentary reveals details of the crisis in South Florida's water, due to water mismanagement and the power of Big Sugar. 

Sunday November 13, 2016 2:45pm - 4:15pm EST
Sundial Muvico Theater #19 151 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

4:30pm EST

KEYNOTE Presentation Sun. Nov. 13th: Michael Aw 'Elysium Artists for the Arctic' @ Palladium

Elysium Artists for the Arctic  is one of the most exciting, innovative, and inspirational journeys embarked upon in the last hundred years. This expedition will change the way people all over the world see and understand the Arctic, an enlightenment that will hopefully catalyze a much-needed paradigm shift away from indifference and into action to protect the Arctic. Our mission is to promote polar conservation efforts and to educate people globally about the plight of our frozen North.


Speakers
avatar for Michael Aw

Michael Aw

Professional Underwater Photographer; Publisher of Ocean Geographic, Ocean Geographic
avatar for Alex Rose

Alex Rose

Editor, Ocean Geographic


Sunday November 13, 2016 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

6:00pm EST

Closing KEYNOTE: 'We Can Do It! Save Our Sea, Save Ourselves' with Dr. Sylvia Earle @ Palladium
Keynote: We Can Do It! Save Our Sea, Save Ourselves Tickets $15 (click here)

Dr. Sylvia Earle presents the closing keynote and provides insight, inspiration, and encouragement on using newly acquired knowledge and the momentum of BLUE to be a part of a global stewardship movement to save our ocean and save ourselves.

Speakers
avatar for Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle

Founder, Mission Blue/Sylvia Earle Alliance
Winner of the 2009 TED Prize and National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence, Dr. Sylvia A. Earle is a tireless advocate for our ocean. The legendary marine scientist and deep sea explorer has received numerous distinguished awards including being named a "Living Legend... Read More →


Sunday November 13, 2016 6:00pm - 6:45pm EST
The Palladium Theater 235 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

7:00pm EST

FREE FILM in the PARK: PUBLIC SCREENING of BLUE'S 2016 BEST of FESTIVAL Winning Film @ STRAUB PARK
We wrap up BLUE 2016 with a special screening of our Best of Festival Winner. This is a free event open to the public.

Sunday November 13, 2016 7:00pm - 8:30pm EST
Straub Park 300 NE to 400 Bayshore. Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL
 
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