Blue Ocean Film Festival opens November 3rd in St Petersburg

Some of the world's most well-known ocean explorers, marine scientists and filmmakers will gather in downtown St. Petersburg November 3-9 for the Blue Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit. The public is invited to attend hundreds of events, including the screening of 150+ films and shorts, Q&As with famous ocean celebrities and explorers, art exhibits, the prestigious BLUE Carpet Awards, numerous family activities and "Ocean Voyagers," a special collaborative screening and live score presentation by The Florida Orchestra.

Tickets must be purchased for most events; and some require day passes. However, there are also free film showings, lectures and environmental clean-up events scattered throughout the week.

Monday's opening night's program will feature the 3-D showing of Hollywood director James Cameron's "DeepSea Challenge" film about his quest to solo dive to the depths of the Mariana Trench - nearly seven miles beneath the ocean's surface - piloting a submersible he designed himself. His expedition team will be on hand for a Q&A following the screening.

Other highlights include pioneering ocean explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, who grew up in Dunedin, at the screening of the "Mission Blue" documentary about her life and work; actor Jeremy Irons presenting "Trashed," his film on the global garbage epidemic; and keynote addresses, panel discussions and workshops by leading ocean researchers and filmmakers.

Events take place at multiple venues throughout downtown St Pete, including the Hilton Bayfront (headquarters), Mahaffey Theater, USF St. Petersburg, Muvico Sundial 20, Straub Park, The Museum of Fine Art and The Dali Museum. Tickets vary widely from individual screenings for $12.50 to one-day passes for $125 and week-long Blue Whale passes for $1,250; student discounts available. Go to blueoceanfilmfestival.com for more information and tickets.

Photo: Circling Barracuda off Papua, New Guinea by David Doubilet. The National Geographic photographer will present an exhibit of his work on Nov. 4