2025 Oceanic Global Short Film Festival: last call for submissions

Submissions for the increasingly high-profile third Oceanic Global Short Film Festival close on January 15, highlighting shorts that connect us to the world's oceans and that can help inspire action for our planet.

As part of a new wave of film festivals that look to highlight single issues, the Oceanic Global Short Film Festival seeks to inspire and amplify diverse voices that highlight the beauty, importance, and challenges of our oceans. The festival's aim is to spotlight emerging filmmakers who are passionate about connecting people to the ocean, highlighting the ocean's vital role in supporting all life on Earth and bringing key issues to the surface.  

Eoghan McDonaugh and Tom Sweetland's Loch, Stock and Salmon, one of the previous festival winners

There are not many criteria for entry, but here they are:

• Films should be between 5-15 minutes.
• Film should connect to the theme Wonder
• Films must full under one of the following categories:
  • Narrative Short/Poetic Storytelling
  • Scientific/Practical Short 

Submissions and more detailed guidelines here.

The selected winning films will be screened at the premiere event during Earth Month in New York, at satellite screenings around the globe, and be available for on demand viewing on the Oceanic Global website. The winning films will also be available for use for social promotion and/or on-demand viewing on media partner websites and socials, expanding visibility even further!

Prizes to be announced...

The 2025 Oceanic Global Short Film Festival is a part of the activist organization Oceanic Global’s mission to remind us all of humanity’s original role in Earth’s broader ecosystems and help us in restoring equilibrium to our Blue Planet. This year’s theme, Wonder, will explore the awe-inspiring aspects of oceans, encouraging creative storytelling that underscores our profound connection to nature and highlights the vital role that water plays in sustaining life. It has been selected to encourage diverse interpretations ranging from new scientific discoveries and water’s significance in maintaining ecosystems and supporting all beings, to ancient wisdom and the intrinsic relationship between water and well-being

“Film has the unique ability to connect people to the Ocean in profound and emotional ways,” says Gina Jurlando, Festival Director and Events and Partnerships Manager at Oceanic Global. “We’re excited to spotlight filmmakers who are using their creative voices to inspire action and drive meaningful change for the Ocean.”

See the 2025 Oceanic Global Short Film Festival website for further details.

tl;dr

• The third Oceanic Global Short Film Festival is accepting submissions until January 15, focusing on short films that inspire action for ocean conservation.
• Films must be between 5-15 minutes, connect to the theme of "Wonder," and fit into one of two categories: Narrative Short/Poetic Storytelling or Scientific/Practical Short.
• Winning films will be screened during Earth Month in New York, at global satellite screenings, and available for on-demand viewing on the Oceanic Global website.
• This year’s theme, “Wonder,” aims to highlight the vital role of water in sustaining life and encourage diverse storytelling, from scientific discoveries to ancient wisdom.