Call for Short Films!
Submit your short film by December 15, 2025!
We’re seeking powerful short films that capture the spirit of our ocean—its beauty, challenges, and the people working to protect it. Filmmakers of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels are encouraged to dive in and share their vision for a bluer future.
Returns to the Historic ʻĪao Theater
This year, the event returns to Wailuku at the historic ʻĪao Theater, providing the community with a classic theater setting and an elevated film-viewing experience. In previous years, we’ve partnered with Ocean’ Organic Farm and Distillery, where we experienced great success and community support. We remain grateful to our past venue partners and look forward to continuing to collaborate with locations across Maui. Get your tickets!
History of the World Whale Film Festival
The World Whale Film Festival, launched in 2017 by Greg and Selket Kaufman of Pacific Whale Foundation, is an annual Maui-based event celebrating World Whale Day. The festival showcases short films that highlight ocean conservation, marine wildlife protection, Indigenous ecological knowledge, and environmental stewardship, inspiring ocean advocacy through storytelling.
Recognizing a growing need to share stories about ocean conservation within the Maui community, the festival invites passionate filmmakers—including students and first-time creators—to lend their voices through film. Since 2021, the addition of an online platform has connected global audiences to Pacific Whale Foundation’s mission of protecting the ocean through science and advocacy.
As Maui’s film community evolves, the festival continues to thrive—deepening local collaboration while expanding as a global platform for ocean-minded storytelling. By amplifying voices from Hawai‘i and beyond, we cultivate meaningful connections that inspire conservation and cultural understanding worldwide.
