Oceanographer Capt. Don Walsh to Open 11th annual San Francisco Ocean Film Fest

“After spending more than four decades working in 112 coastal nations across the globe, exploring and engineering undersea technology, I am thrilled to return to my Bay Area roots and participate in this year’s San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival,” said Dr. Walsh. “In addition to the opening night ceremony, I look forward to inspiring – and being inspired by – the next generation of ocean explorers during the festival’s educational programs.”

Dr. Walsh famously made the first descent into the deepest point of the world’s ocean, Mariana Trench, in January of 1960 – more than 35,000 feet below the surface. Throughout his expansive career, Dr. Walsh has authored over 200 ocean-related publications.

In addition to serving as an Honorary Life Member of the Explores Club, the American Geographical Society, and the Adventurers Club, Walsh is among the influential OceanElders, an independent group of global leaders who have joined together to serve as a catalyst in the conservation and protection of the ocean and its wildlife. Dr. Sylvia Earle, Jean-Michel Cousteau, and Sir Richard Branson are among the few to also hold this prestigious title.

“As the San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival continues to reach audiences around the Bay Area and across the world, we are thrilled to continue to set new ‘cinemaquatic’ standards with our film lineup and special guests like Dr. Walsh,” said SFIOFF Director Ana Blanco.

Nearly 50 films ranging from sharks to surfing, ocean conservation to deep-water exploration, island cultures to the cultural importance of the world’s marine resources will fill the 2014 SFIOFF. Along with film screenings, the festival offers in-depth discussions with filmmakers and content experts, creating a unique and engaging format. Additional highlights for the 11th annual SFIOFF include a new special diving program and panel discussion, to complement the festival-goer favorite shark and surf film programs. The festival will also host its 3rd annual Student Film Competition, screening winning entries from the record-setting 41 film submissions by middle and high school students.

For additional details, visit http://www.oceanfilmfest.org.

# # #