About the Festival

Scientists have warned us of the Ocean’s decline. The facts are clear, the numbers dire. But when we’re numb to statistics, how do we inspire the transformation our Blue Planet needs?

The Oceanic Global Short Film Festival exists at this critical intersection—where art meets urgency, where storytelling becomes the catalyst, where moving images move us to action.

Since launching in 2020, the festival has drawn thousands of attendees across 11 countries worldwide. The 2026 edition expands globally under the lens Films That Awaken New Depths, bringing powerful Ocean stories from major cities to local communities where culture is shaped. Judged by an expert jury including legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle and film industry pioneers David Maisel and James Honeyborne, this year’s festival showcases cinema that doesn’t just inform—it transforms.

These are films that awaken depths within ourselves we didn’t know existed, revealing that our fate and the Ocean’s fate are inextricably intertwined.

Submissions are open through 8 March 2026.

Awards & Prizes

Awarded to one overall winning film across the 2026 Oceanic Global Short Film Festival, the festival’s highest distinction recognizes the work that most powerfully embodies the spirit of Films That Awaken New Depths. Selected by our esteemed jury panel, the prize honors storytelling that translates Ocean science, culture, and conservation into narratives that move audiences beyond awareness toward action.

2026 Category Winners

In addition to the Grand Jury Prize, one winner will be selected for each Festival category: Human Connection, Discovery, and Living Systems.

These awards recognize distinctive storytelling within each thematic track, 
highlighting films that bring fresh perspective, creative rigor, and 
meaningful engagement to their respective focus areas.

Prizes Include:

GOT Bag Pro Pack, a 25L backpack made with recycled Ocean Impact Plastic. 

+ more to be announced!

Submission Criteria

• Films should be between 3-15 minutes

• Film submitted must fall under one of the three submission categories

(Human Connection, Discovery, Living Systems)

• Film should connect to the theme, Films That Awaken New Depths

Questions? Explore our FAQ’s below. 

SUBMIT YOUR FILM

Key Dates

Submissions Open on 27 January

Join a global community of filmmakers shaping the future of ocean storytelling. All submissions are reviewed by our annual jury of acclaimed creatives and experts, with only 3–5 films selected as festival winners and showcased across 2026 screenings worldwide.

Partner With The OG Short Film Festival

Join the swell. Through venue support, sponsorship, prize donations, media amplification, and collaborative programming, partners play a vital role in expanding the reach and impact of the Oceanic Global Short Film Festival.

Whether you’re a brand, venue, cultural institution, or community organization, there are many ways to get involved. Together, we can elevate ocean stories and inspire collective action for a thriving Blue Planet.

Special Thanks

To Open Water for sponsoring the Grand Jury Prize

Select 2026 Festival Imagery provided by Kogia

Explore Past Winners

“Being selected as a winner for my debut short film ‘Peixinho’ at the Oceanic Global Short Film Festival was an absolute honor. Attending the screenings in Brooklyn and London has undeniably been the highlight of my year, truly incredible events where I connected with so many fellow ocean lovers. I eagerly anticipate the festival’s continued growth, empowering countless more emerging filmmakers on their vital journeys.”

– Kaushiik Subramaniam, Winning Filmmaker, Director of Peixinho