The 2007 Hawaiian Ocean Film Festival will premiere nine short films tomorrow evening at Hanalei Bay, by filmmakers of all ages. Relating the vital connection to our oceans and stewardship of the water from pole to pole is the central theme of the festival. This year’s official selections focus on marine resources and conservation, ocean recreation and cultural connections to the sea.

Begun in 1993 as a spin-off to a marine educators conference, Melinda Sandler, director of the festival, felt the film medium would be a successful bridge between the scientific community engrossed in ocean conservation issues and “lay people who could understand the topic if they could see it, not just hear about it,” writes Sandler. The festival grew into a statewide event, playing at the Honolulu Academy of the Arts, Hilo Palace Theater, and Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and on Kaua‘i.

The primary objective of the festival is to expose the audience to the pressing issues of the environment and unique perspective of cultural connections to the sea not often shown. “We hope to get them inspired to take action on what they learned, and support the individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting our environment,” said Sandler. “Through our project, we give the audience a common concern and language so they can communicate. So our greatest accomplishment is that surfers understand scientists, and scientists understand surfers.”

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(Source: Keya Keita, Kauai Garden Island News)