BLUE 2014 Film Competition Finalists Chosen

60+ jury members select the top films to be honored and screened at November 2014 event

After the largest and most challenging film competitions to date, the BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit (BLUE) jury members have edited their lists and unveiled the world’s top oceanic films for 2014. All 160 finalists feature stunning imagery, amazing explorations, scientific discoveries or fun in the sea and will be showcased at the festival from November 3-9, 2014 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The winners in each category will be announced at the centerpiece event, the BLUE Carpet Awards at The Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg on November 7. Four of this year’s most anticipated films include a special screening from Academy Award winner James Cameron of “James Cameron’s DeepSea Challenge 3D”, and three of this year’s finalists: Gisela Kaufman’s “Shark Girl” (Kaufman Productions), Angela Sun’s “Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” (Sunshine Productions) and John Bowermaster’s “Wild Antarctica 3D” (Giant Screen Films/D3D Cinema, DQBD Films and OCEANS 8 Films).

"This year’s submissions were the highest standard to date and underline how far BLUE has progressed as an international film and conservation summit. Some of these finalists feature the most stunning cinematography from renowned and new filmmakers, and we are proud to have the opportunity to showcase them to the world. Prepare to be inspired,” stated Debbie Kinder, BLUE CEO and Co-founder.

Previous years have featured award-winning films from Louie Psihoyos, Disney Studios, Yann Arthus Bertrand, BBC, National Geographic and others. A fan favorite, the film screenings are one of many highlights attached to BLUE, and the 2014 finalists will entertain the local audience as well as expected stars from Hollywood, Monaco and Ocean Conservationists.

During the festival, selected films will be followed immediately with panel discussions and Q&A with attendees. A detailed screening list will be available in late September. Although there are multiple categories for entries, the theme for all the films remains constant: OCEANS. Entries explore ocean conservation, marine life, ocean issues, cultural connections, adventure and sport, and more.

This year, BLUE revamped the judging process due to the large number of entries received, including more international entries from 45 different countries. 65 internationally acclaimed judges spent hundreds of hours screening all of the films in their entirety. BLUE’s judges came from multiple backgrounds and disciplines including communication, education, visual arts and sciences.

Held in St. Petersburg for the first time, BLUE is recognized as one of the premiere events bringing together ocean all-stars from around the globe. Highlighting the biggest names in ocean exploration, filmmaking, photography and conservation, the week-long event features award-winning films, panel discussions, educational forums, and more in one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse cities in the world.

BLUEOceanFilmFestival.org