San Francisco Ocean Film Festival 2009

The San Francisco Ocean Film Festival kicks off Thursday, February 19, with an opening night party at Aquarium of the Bay. In celebration of this water planet we call home, the films cover ocean-related stories from a wide variety of perspectives, both local and global. The festival will screen more than 35 documentary, fictional, and animated films in the Cowell Theater at Fort Mason.

Pirate for the Sea features Paul Watson, relentless leader of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, who puts his life on the line for whales, seals, sharks and other ocean wildlife. There's local focus on the Farallon Islands and on the sharks of San Francisco Bay. A special shark-themed program of films dispels common myths and exposes the truth about these magnificent animals. Film shorts feature super-human kayaking, unusual sea creatures, and Ugo Conti's Spider Boat.

You can see a full list of films and more information about them at the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival website. Tickets are available online or in person.

The opening night party happens at Aquarium of the Bay on February 19 at 7pm. Filmmakers will be on hand along with special guests. Food, including sustainable seafood, will be served. Ticket details:

• $10 Individual Program
• $60 Festival Pass (8 Film Programs)
• $60 Opening Night Party at Aquarium of the Bay
• $110 VIP Festival Pass (Opening Night Party & 8 Film Programs)

Map of Fort Mason area

See a trailer of Musica Surfica (featured at the film festival):

^{Pictured: Pearl Islands: The Story of Bahrain's Natural Gems
Image Courtesy of San Francisco Ocean Film Festival}