International Ocean Film Festival at Mote

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International Ocean Film Festival at Mote

On Sept. 9, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium invites you to view a selection of imaginative, inspiring and award winning films presented in partnership with the International Ocean Film Festival. Two showing times are available (matinee & evening) for this family friendly event. Cost: $12 for Mote Member tickets and $15 for non-member tickets.

Reserve your tickets now:

3 to 5:30 p.m.

7 to 9:30 p.m.

Be inspired by the work of these award winning filmmakers as you immerse yourself in vibrant images and creative storytelling. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the showing and concessions will be available for purchase. Both showings take place in the WAVE Center attached to Mote Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida.

Check out the trailer for one of this year's films, Impossible Wave:

Film Descriptions:

Horseshoe Crabs: How 350-Million-Year-Old Sea Creatures are Vital to Human Survival

USA
ANDREA KRAMER

This short film brings awareness of the role horseshoe crabs play not just as a food source for migrating birds, but as a resource for scientists to test the safety of vaccines. The crab population is in danger both because of their usefulness to science and because of habitat loss due to coastal development. The film brings to light some of the people who are trying to monitor and protect this important species of crab. (6 minutes)

Blue Carbon

USA
PAUL NICKLEN

Narrated by Cristina Mittemeier, co-founder of SeaLegacy, and the 2021 IOFF Ocean Champion, this film reminds us of the importance of our oceans in heeding the call of the UN Decade of the Ocean for Sustainable Development. This short film emphasizes that the relationship between our ocean, the air, and the land is critical for a successful blue economy and healthy ecosystems – but only if we act now. (3 minutes)

Bottle Cap

USA
MARIE HYON & MARCO SPIER

Fiddler crabs are distinctive for their two claws of unequal size. When Shelton, a fiddler crab, finds a plastic bottle cap he is elated that he has found the perfect prosthesis – or is it? The usefulness and bounty of plastic may not be what Shelton thinks. (5 minutes)

Planting Coral Forests

KENYA
JOHANN VORSTER

Join community champion Katana Ngala of the Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association to explore the vibrant, protected coral reefs along Kenya’s coastline. Healthy coral reefs play a vital role in providing food and livelihoods for local fishermen. Concerned about immense degradation from overfishing and rising temperatures, Katana Ngala began restoring coral reefs in 2019 as part of a local community-based initiative. (27 minutes).

Impossible Wave

USA
2023 FEMALE FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER
JESSICA FRANKOVELGIA JOHNSON & JAY JOHNSON

A story about the 27-year-long journey to bring surfing to the Olympics. What started as one man’s dream evolved into a movement. The struggle, the persistence, and the incredible passion made what initially seemed impossible, possible. The Olympic Games surfing competition debuted in Tokyo 2020 and will be held in Tahiti for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. (40 minutes)

Food & Beverage

We are excited to welcome Pop's Sunset Grill Food Truck to Mote for guests to enjoy before and during the International Ocean Film Festival! Doors to the event will open 1 hour prior to the showing, so come early to order a drink and grab some delicious bites from Pop’s Sunset Grill.

Beverages:

Mote Marine Signature Cocktail “Purple Reef” $10

Wheatly Vodka, blue curacao, cranberry juice, and sour mix.

The Beach Rosé $11

Sea Sun Pinot Noir $10

Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon $10

Sea Sun Chardonnay $10

Yuengling Lager $6

Michelob Ultra $6

Angry Orchard $6.50

Miller Lite $6

Corona $6.50

Calusa IPA $7

Stella $7