Shorts - Our Oceans Program
Our Oceans short film block highlights the beauty, power, and importance of the world’s oceans. Featuring inspiring stories of environmental stewardship, the block aims to raise awareness about ocean preservation and inspire action to protect our planet’s most vital resource.
Our Oceans Short Film Program
A New Wave: Inspired by his father’s legacy, world-renowned South African surfer Mikey February embarks on a transformative journey, navigating waves of self-discovery and family heritage.
Here and There: A short film by John John Florence and Parallel Sea that follows the Florence brothers as they surf the North Shore and push the limits of their performance.
Obibini: In 2017, a man named Justice Kwofie spearheaded a transformative movement by establishing the Obibini Surf Club. This initiative challenged gender-based inequality and inspired young girls to embrace surfing as a new passion. Filmed in Ghana.
Ocean State of Mind: As adulthood brings increasing complexity, Rhode island surfer Curtis Perdue finds space for his mental health in the icy waters of New England. With a deep love for the ocean instilled by his late father, Curtis aims to inspire lifelong passions in his own children and pass down a legacy of stoke. Directed by: Danny Hardesty
PLSTC: Welcome to the world of PLSTC, an undersea dystopia that submerges you in the disturbing reality of plastic pollution in our oceans. Through a series of graphically confronting AI-generated and hand-composited images of ocean creatures, this experimental animated film confronts you with the devastating consequences of our habits on marine life, and leaves you gasping for breath. Directed by Laen Sanches.
Usugilix Awaku: In the waters off the remote island of Iluulux̂ or so-called Unalaska, Alaska, toxic algal blooms are increasingly infecting filter-feeding shellfish. After a community member dies from eating blue mussels, a staple cultural food, Unangax̂ scientist Shayla begins working with her tribe to research and understand the harmful blooms and what can be done about them. Illuminating the profound connection between the Unangax̂ people and their environment, Usugilix Awakun showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of a culture in the face of unprecedented challenges. Directed by: Palmer Morse + Matt Mikkelsen
Aqua Grom: A group of local Laguna Beach kids, led by the unstoppable Alia Marriner, created AquaGroms—an event where they swam and walked a 3.5-mile stretch of coastline to raise funds for local environmental organizations. In 2024, these young ocean warriors raised over $12,000 for the SURFRIDER Foundation! The AquaGroms film captures their incredible journey and shows just how powerful a group of kids with big hearts can be. Don’t miss this feel-good story of community, action, and the ocean we all love.
Oyster: The Massachusetts Oyster Project restores Cape Cod’s coastal ecosystems by recycling oyster shells to support new oyster growth, helping to combat nitrogen pollution. Operation Restoration: Oyster tells the story of these efforts through the perspectives of citizens, scientists, and students. Supported by 11th Hour Racing, the nonprofit focuses on shell recycling, oyster cultivation, and education to revive oyster populations and protect water quality.
The Call: Coming Soon.
Featured at Coast Film & Music Festival 2024
Our Oceans Short Program:
Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center on Monday, November 11th at 6 - 7:45 PM. Buy tickets!
Festival of Arts, Forum Theater on Sunday, November 17th at 11 AM - 12:30 PM. Buy tickets!
Additional screenings of PLSTC, Obibini, Here and There:
Festival of Arts, Main Stage on Friday, November 15th starting at 6 PM. Buy a Friday Single Day FOA Pass to experience all of Friday!