IOFF 2026

The Smith Rafael Film Center welcomes the 23rd Annual International Ocean Film Festival. The mission of the International Ocean Film Festival is to be the premier global platform for ocean literacy and education through film.

Since its inception in 2004, each year the IOFF features an ocean engagement event for audiences from around the world. Through the power of visual storytelling and independent films, audiences of all ages are inspired to become better ocean stewards, and help to protect our oceans.

FAMILY FUN SCREENINGS • WEAR SOMETHING OCEAN-THEMED AND GET A FREE SMALL POPCORN OR SODA!

THURSDAY, APRIL 2
ADMISSION: $16 General | $14 Seniors & Youth | $11 CAFILM members

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 • 4:00

WILD HOPE: PUFFLING PATROL
Atlantic puffins go to breed in the Westman islands, on Iceland. When baby puffins leave their burrows, they get distracted by the lights and fly into town. Local volunteers go on nightly ‘patrols’ to find and bring them to the rescue center. Once healthy, they take them to cliffs and release them by throwing them up in the air. – Nuria Seriñá Gutiérrez
(US) 13 min

IN PERSON: TBA

PENGUINS OF THE POINT
At the Falkland Islands, gentoo and king penguins need to survive despite numerous threats like predators, climate change and avian influenza. They find strength in numbers, going fishing as a big group and the chicks stay close to each other to be safe and warm, awaiting the return of their parents with food. Despite facing all these obstacles, the penguins demonstrate their extraordinary resilience. – Nuria Seriñá Gutiérrez
Director: Derek Robitaille (Canada) 17 min

IN PERSON: Derek Robitaille

13 HOURS TO SURVIVE: TRAPPED AT LOW TIDE
It’s an epic drama that happens with the coming of each low tide. As the ocean recedes, sea animals become trapped in tide pools, “miniature oceans” where the natural order is overturned and a struggle to survive is unleashed. They have 13 Hours to Survive, the time it takes for the tide to return. Hunger Games meets Microcosmos!
Directors: Alexis Barbier-Bouvet and Manuel Lefèvre (US) 52 min

IN PERSON: TBA

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2 • 7:00

VIEW TRAILER

A LIFE ILLUMINATED
Follows pioneering marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder as she descends 3,300 feet into the ocean’s twilight zone, unveiling a hidden world of bioluminescent life. From capturing the first giant squid on film to chasing a mysterious glowing phenomenon, her daring quest reshapes our understanding of life — and reveals the fragile wonder of our blue planet. – Dominique Lawrenz
Director: Tasha Van Zandt (US) 90 min

IN PERSON: TBA

GET TICKETS

FAMILY FUN SCREENINGS • WEAR SOMETHING OCEAN-THEMED AND GET A FREE SMALL POPCORN OR SODA!

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 • 4:00

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 • 7:00

CHRISTOPHER B. SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER

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