Schedule & Films

Ecosystem Engineers by Verity Clearman, Aubrey Kenison, Lia Sellers, & Vera Sunderstrom (9:01 min.)

This student directed film, under the guidance of Northwest Documentary and in collaboration with Oregon Museam of Science and Industry (OMSI), explores the importance of beavers to river and coastal ecosystems, and shines a light on the researchers and projects working to better understand beaver habitat use.

Restoring the Alsea Basin: Starr Creek by Josh Havelind (6:44 min.) 

MidCoast Watersheds Council and partners spent the last year documenting the restoration of Starr Creek. This tidal wetland on the Alsea Bay, was once tide-gated and altered for agriculture, cutting it off from natural tidal flow and degrading the habitat. Since acquiring the property in 2008, The Wetlands Conservancy has been working to restore its natural complexity with the help of MidCoast Watersheds Council and other restoration partners. This visual journey through Starr Creek tells a story of partnerships, scientific discovery, and at the heart– a love for fish, wildlife, and our waterways.

The Oregon Otter Gap by Fernando Vilanova (4:22 min.) 

In a world grappling with climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity, photographer Gretchen Kay Stuart turns her lens toward hope. A member of the International League of Conservation Photographers, Stuart has built her career using visual storytelling, camera trapping, and collaboration with scientists to raise awareness for imperiled species. Her latest project follows the story of sea otters in Oregon, once abundant, but driven to local extinction by the 19th-century fur trade. Archaeological evidence reveals Oregon once served as a vital hybrid zone, connecting Washington’s northern and California’s southern subspecies. Their absence has left ecosystems fractured and biodiversity diminished. Now, led by the Elakha Alliance, a coalition of conservationists, Indigenous leaders, and local communities are working to return sea otters to their native waters. Through Stuart’s photography, writing, and intimate collaborations, The Oregon Otter Gap captures both the ecological urgency and the human dedication behind a movement to restore balance before climate change deepens the stakes.

Neah Bay: Restoring Ancestral Waters by Nancy Donnelly (14:26 min.) 

For thousands of years Makah Tribal fishermen like Robert Moss hunted for traditional foods in the waters of Washington's Neah Bay. But today thousands of tons of marine debris literally loom over the Makah Tribe's ancestral waters, threatening to choke the waters that sustained these self-described ocean hunters' families for generations - including a dystopian 3,000-ton piece of concrete-and-steel highway bridge abandoned decades ago. It's a daily reminder of the potentially toxic waters plaguing this small fishing community. In this story of environmental and social justice, a coalition of motivated Tribal leaders and organizations works together in a spectacle of mechanical and human determination to demolish, remove, and recycle the massive decaying highway fragment and abandoned vessels of Neah Bay, to restore healthy waters and traditional foods to the Makah community.

Restoring Roots by National Aquarium (34:07 min.)

This film documents the planning, prototyping, pylon-driving, planting and patience that went into creating the National Aquarium's first free outdoor exhibit, which is also the first floating wetland of its kind anywhere in the world. And really, the grand opening wasn't the culmination of Harbor Wetland at all; it was just the beginning.

Sequoias of the Sea by Natasha Benjamin & Ana Blanco (54:00 min.)

"Sequoias of the Sea" tells the story of the environmental, cultural and economic destruction impacting a Northern California town that has lost its kelp forest. It's a deep dive into the lives of fishermen, tribes, scientists, and a community working to restore a habitat devastated by a warming climate.

Kelp forests, found along nearly a quarter of global coastlines, are crucial climate change mitigators, but this species is in trouble. Along the Northern California coast we have lost a striking 95% of these underwater forests. Due to a perfect storm of changing ocean conditions, we are witnessing an ecological disaster in real time. What's happening in the ocean is changing lives on land, bringing fishermen, scientists and tribe members together, to restore this critical ecosystem and build a new blue economy. Join the movement to help the kelp!

Connected by Meg Griffin (6:17 min.)

"Connected" is a short film created to celebrate the wonder of Florida while bringing light to her wounds. The creator, Meg Griffin, knew that she wanted to use the alien communication theme of the song “Stardust” by Kozmoz to translate the messages of a population in need, specifically, Florida’s marine life. Meg prioritizes accurate documentation in her filming and had already acquired some footage to showcase the state of her home and its waters. Every time she embarked upon an experience she witnessed the hurt with the beauty. The life of this land, the rivers, springs, and the constant breath of the Gulfstream and Everglades are things that she admires about her home and feels that its suffering is important to share. 

Developing a Modeling Orientation to Science by Asher Brown (5:30 min.)

"Developing a Modeling Orientation to Science" explores how middle school students can be embraced as capable scientists at a time when curiosity is often undercut by the instant answers of the digital age. The film follows an innovative program that positions modeling not as a tool for experts alone, but as an accessible practice for young learners. Through hands-on inquiry and collaborative discovery, students are given the chance to wrestle with complexity, test ideas, and build explanations that reflect the real work of science. In a moment when academic engagement is increasingly at risk, this story demonstrates how nurturing authentic scientific practice can spark resilience, creativity, and a deeper connection to learning.

Light in the Dark by Alex Ingle (5:37 min.)

The deep ocean begins where the sunlight ends. It is dark, cold, and inhospitable to humans, yet essential to all life on Earth. The Ocean is our planet’s life support system — regulating the climate, feeding millions, and supplying half of the oxygen that makes this planet habitable. Experience the wonder of a blue planet! We’re thrilled to explore the unknown and awaken new depths guided by ROV pilot Tyler Smith.

Nodules by Jason Jaacks  (19:08 min.)

Two marine scientists’ discoveries about bizarre deep-sea rocks illuminate a growing face-off between science and capitalism on Earth’s last great wilderness.

In Search of the Black Smokers by Antoine Rigaud (18:18 min.)

The time of explorers is not over. In May 2022, an international team embarked on the Pourquoi Pas, a French oceanographic vessel. Their aim: to study hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to better understand the ocean floor, which still largely remains unknown to us.

Something in the Water by Alex Eggermot & Jaron Pham (24:00 min.)

"Something in the Water" follows a daring scientific expedition deep into the heart of Greenland's melting ice sheet. A multidisciplinary team of researchers and explorers embarks on a journey across remote and perilous terrain to study supraglacial lakes, mysterious bodies of water that form on the surface of the ice sheet and can drain in a matter of hours. As they battle extreme weather, isolation, and the clock of climate change, the team gathers rare data that may help predict the future of our planet. Combining raw human adventure with cutting-edge science, the film captures both the fragility and the resilience of our planet, and the people working to understand it before it’s too late.

Antarctica in a Warming World by Magnolia Lowe (17:46 min.)

"Antarctica in a Warming World" plunges viewers into the heart of one of the planet’s most remote and fragile frontiers. Through compelling first-hand accounts from Antarctic scientists, this short documentary from New Zealand unravels the concerning transformations unfolding across the Antarctic landscape. Melting ice sheets, declining sea ice, and rising temperatures signal more than just regional change — they carry stark warnings for the entire planet. As sea levels climb and ecosystems teeter, Antarctica in a Warming World uncovers how this icy wilderness is both a victim of climate change and a driver of what’s to come for our global future.
 

Our Blue Guardian by Matthew David Kaplan (1:00 min.)

Blue whales are essential to climate stability. By promoting growth of phytoplankton through the whale pump as well as serving as a carbon sink, they are an important part of taking carbon out of the atmosphere.

Humpback - Adapting to Humanity by Alexander Forrest (7:27 min.)

Once on the edge of extinction, an over 1,500 percent rebound in numbers has symbolized the humpback whale’s success story - yet the survival of these gentle giants now depends not on fleeing from harpoons, but adapting to an ocean that’s being redefined by humanity.

Moving humpback testimonies and confronting archival imagery will intersect with captivating aerial and underwater visuals. This film brings the altruistic world of the humpback whales to the surface - reminders of the ocean’s value to community and environment, the importance of coexistence and glimmering ecological hope. Warning: This film contains themes and images of death that some viewers may find upsetting!

Song of Whales by Afroza Hossain Sara (12:00 min.)

A fisherman’s desperate search for fish is interrupted by the mournful call of a mother whale. Her grief awakens a ritual from the depths — a symphony of sea creatures in mourning. When silence returns, the fisherman survives, but nothing remains the same. Warning: This film contains themes and artistic renderings of death that some viewers may find upsetting!

  Best in Activism | Managed to Extinction (Best in Activism) by Jessica Plumb (15:40 min.)

Managed to Extinction pairs an Indigenous visionary with an orca scientist in the Pacific Northwest, as both work to address a shared extinction threat faced by resident orcas, and the Chinook salmon they need to survive. Together, these characters raise a vital question: can pairing science and Indigenous knowledge help avert the extinction of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved and vital marine species?

The Right Whale by Nick Dean & Cheryl Dean (53:59 min.)

"The Right Whale" is an intimate and visually stunning documentary that follows the dramatic lives of right whales across the globe—from the icy waters of New Zealand and Argentina to the busy coastlines of North America. Through groundbreaking science and emotional storytelling, we meet individual whales like Bill, who swims from New Zealand to Antarctica and back, and Ruffian, rescued from deadly fishing gear.

While Southern right whales show signs of recovery, their Northern cousins face mounting threats from ship strikes, entanglement, and industrial noise. Filmed in collaboration with scientists, "The Right Whale" is both a celebration of resilience and a powerful call to action—revealing the intelligence, grace, and vulnerability of these magnificent creatures, and the urgent need to protect them. Warning: This film contains themes of death that some viewers may find upsetting!

Q & A: Dr. Nick Dean and Cheryl Dean

Circles in the Sand by Vivian McAleavey (8:46 min.)

When the tides cooperate, the community of Bandon, Oregon gathers on their ocean beach to create an extensive, intricate and artistic pathway in the sand. Until the tide shifts again, all comers are welcome to walk the journey created by this Circle in the Sand.

The Hole by Grant Howard (10:00 min.)

Depoe Bay Bar Crossing with the U.S Coast Guard - One of the most dangerous bar crossing in the U.S.

Fish for the Future by Matthew Benton (5:02 min.)

"Fish For The Future" follows Rosi Digit, the Principal Conservation Biologist at Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains who has been an integral part of conservation in the Santa Monica Mountains for nearly four decades. In January 2025, the Palisades Fire quickly approached her home and the habitats that she has protected for decades. When the fire burned all of the critical habitat for the endangered Southern Steelhead Trout in Topanga Creek, she knew they had to rescue as many fish as possible before the rains swept dangerous amounts of mud through the watershed, killing any aquatic species. She gathers with various groups and agencies to work and rescue many steelhead in the creek in an extremely limited time window.

Seafarer by Andrew Quinn (9:45 min.)

Seafarer is a raw, unfiltered portrait of John McMurray—a Long Island charter captain caught between his love for the ocean and the brutal economics of chasing fish for a living. With a voice as sharp as his opinions, McMurray lays bare the contradictions of modern fishing: the thrill, the grind, and the hard truth that sometimes the best thing for the fish is for people like him to stop. Equal parts fishing tale and ecological reckoning, this film captures a man fighting to protect the very thing that could put him out of business. Warning: This film contains strong language!

Born from the Reef by  Owen Bornhorst (19:59 min.)

"Born from the Reef" tells the story of Coco, a passionate and self-taught coral reef scientist from the Maldives. After increasingly frequent coral bleaching events, Coco and his team work to restore Maldivian coral reefs and protect those who rely on them. Using a cutting-edge strategy known as larval restoration, the team attempts to track coral spawning in hopes of collecting and releasing millions of coral larvae onto degraded reefs. The only challenge is whether or not it's already too late for these coral reefs to spawn.

The Human Side of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw by Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayers, Rush Sturges (15:41 min.)

Babacar Thiaw, a visionary Senegalese surfer, entrepreneur, and environmental activist, is on a mission to tackle his country’s escalating plastic pollution crisis and preserve its coastline for future generations. Deeply connected to the ocean through his family’s history and inspired by his father’s teachings, Babacar channels this passion into innovative, community-driven solutions.

He founded Senegal’s first zero-waste restaurant, setting a groundbreaking example of sustainability that has since inspired a growing movement across the country. This film follows Babacar’s journey as he champions the power of local action to combat global environmental challenges. Through his story, we witness how one person’s commitment can ignite widespread change, offering a hopeful message for a world in need of solutions. Babacar’s legacy is a call to action, reminding us all that safeguarding the future begins with the choices we make today.

Loki Pete by B.J. Bullert (24:37 min.)

A portrait of resilience, fisherman Pete Knutson navigates the turbulent waters of Alaska and the market.

With a blend of poignant flashbacks and present-day reflections, the film follows Pete on his 50th and final season fishing for salmon in Southeast Alaska. With day-in-the-life scenes on his fishing vessel, Njord, he emphasizes the critical need for ethical fishing practices, grassroots political organizing, and direct consumer relationships to thrive in an increasingly challenging economy. Featuring powerful moments from the 2001 battle to protect Seattle’s Fisherman’s Terminal for working vessels, this documentary not only showcases the fight for economic survival but also underscores the personal and collective resilience that sustains small family businesses in the face of adversity. Warning: This film contains strong language!

Q & A: Dr. B.J. Bullert 

Community Solutions for Aquaculture Marine Debris by Casey Chow (8:24 min.)

Set in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, this short documentary tells the story of a community coming together—oyster farmers, scientists, nonprofits, and local residents—united by a love for their coast. As they confront debris from aging aquaculture gear, they balance the hard realities of small-scale farming with a shared vision for keeping Oregon’s coastal heritage alive and sustainable.

Heritage and Harvest: Quinault Razor Clams by Sonny DePasquale (3:00 min.)

After fighting for decades for recognition of their treaty fishing rights, the Quinault Indian Nation—located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington—now exclusively manages the northern razor clam harvest on their reservation and co-manages the harvest with the state within their treaty area. This fishery is rated green for environmental sustainability by Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program thanks to a strong management plan rooted in both traditional knowledge and modern science. This highly effective blend of management systems includes regular population assessments and strong policies to prevent overharvest.

The Human Side of Plastic: Abby Barrows by Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayers, Rush Sturges  (18:29 min.)

On Deer Isle, Maine, home to one of the world’s most productive lobster ports, warming waters and invisible microplastic pollution threaten a centuries-old way of life. As veteran lobsterman Joel Billings and his daughter Hannah reckon with the possible end of their family’s tradition, neighbor and microplastics researcher Abby Barrows offers a vision for a more sustainable future through plastic-free aquaculture.

  Best in Education | Tending the Tides: Maine's Aquaculture Apprenticeship (Best in Ed) by Trixie Betz (27:59 min.)

Maine is home to the nation's first registered Seaweed and Shellfish Aquaculture Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship programs. "Tending the Tides" follows the journeys of the young people participating in these programs as they build meaningful careers on the water. Through hands-on training and dedicated mentorship, these future sea farmers are gaining the skills and experience they need to succeed in Maine’s growing aquaculture industry—while helping to sustain and strengthen the state’s working waterfronts. Warning: This film contains strong language!

Shared Waters Shared Crisis by Jessica Plumb (30:00 min.)

Set on the Canadian / U.S. border, "Shared Waters Shared Crisis" weaves three community stories, revealing the role of habitat restoration, traditional indigenous fishing practices and marine guardianship in the recovery of iconic Northwest species. Together these stories explore the interconnected ecosystems of the Fraser River, its estuary and the vital role of these ecosystems at the heart of the Salish Sea.

Fragmented by Jonathan Stow (14:18 min.)

"Fragmented" is a powerful poetic dance film that weaves the resilience of coral reefs with the human spirit, reflecting on healing and environmental change. Combining the affective power of dance, music, and poetry in collaboration with the expertise of top researchers at Harvard University and the University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, "Fragmented" connects the dots on why people should care about coral reefs, as their fragility reflects our own brief and precious lives on this planet while drawing them in through the entertainment that ballet provides and spotlighting new research work on corals.

ClimArts Shorts are artistic narratives with evidence-based climate solutions. These interdisciplinary collaborations between artists and climate experts explore new ways to inspire understanding, connection, and collective action.

Reef Response by Jake Fay  (6:46 min.)

In the warm waters of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, a team of scientists from Reef Response—led by Dr. Marilyn Brandt and Sonora Meiling—are racing to save the region’s coral reefs. Based out of the University of the Virgin Islands, the team outplants corals at depths ranging from 25 to 125 feet, studying where coral can thrive in the face of rising ocean temperatures and intensifying sunlight. Blending cutting-edge research with community outreach, "Reef Response" captures how this group is inspiring the next generation of marine biologists to protect what lies beneath.

Reef Builders by Stephen Shearman (1:16:00 min.)

Facing the loss of an entire ecosystem in a single generation, a team of coastal communities and marine biologists have proven the improbable by restoring a vibrant coral reef in Indonesia. Now, battling time, deep waters, harsh currents and accelerating climate change, can their efforts pay off on a global scale, before our coral reefs disappear for good, and humanity is left to pay the price? Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from Australia are advised that the following program may contain images and voices of people who have died.