San Francisco Ocean Film Festival Announces 2011 Award Recipients

SAN FRANCISCO, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th annual San Francisco Ocean Film Festival is pleased to announce six award recipients chosen from its lineup of more than 50 films.  Awards include two new categories this year, for best short film as well as best conservation film.

The San Francisco Ocean Film Festival winners are:

• Wildlife Film: Sex under the Sea (Belgium), Etienne Verhaegen
• Adventure Film: Rescue Men: The Story of the Pea Island Surfmen (USA), Allan Smith
• Coastal Culture Film: Papa Mau (USA), Na'alehu Anthony
• Environmental Film: Sanctuary in the Sea (USA), Robert Talbot
• Conservation Film: In the Wake of Giants (USA), Lou Douros
• Short Film: The Krill is Gone (USA), Jeffrey Bost & Matt Briggs

"The 8th Annual San Francisco Ocean Film Festival was well attended by thousands of ocean lovers - including young students and children - and more than 30 filmmakers from around the world," said Ana Blanco, festival director.  "Film is an excellent medium for conveying a story or message, and each of the 53 films did just that. Everyone came away with a better understanding of how precious and fragile the world's ocean is, and what they can do to become better stewards in protecting it."

The five-day Film Festival at Theatre 39 on PIER 39 was presented by Aquarium of the Bay, NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries and The Bay Institute.  The lineup included sold-out audiences for the Opening Night Filmmakers Reception, Friday night's surf program and Saturday's sharks and vanishing marine life program.  

In addition to sights seen on the big screen, this year's Film Festival included discussions by international panels of scientists, fishermen, restaurateurs and beyond, on topics including establishing Marine Protected Areas as well as the recently introduced assembly bill, AB 376, which would ban the sale, possession and trade of shark fins in California.

The San Francisco Ocean Film Festival is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to using film to increase public understanding of the environmental, social and cultural importance of marine ecosystems and foster a spirit of ocean stewardship. Learn more by visiting www.oceanfilmfest.org.

SOURCE San Francisco Ocean Film Festival