NEWPORT – The Big Blue Film Festival, which showcases ocean-themed films that connect science and the arts, returns for its third year on Jan. 24-25 with 34 offerings by local and international filmmakers selected from over 200 entries from 55 countries.
The festival’s films are grouped into seven two-hour blocks and can be viewed at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Newport Performing Arts Center.
Tickets for a single block of films are available at adult ($15) and student ($12) rates. An all-access pass is also available for $60. The pass provides entry into all film blocks and includes the opening night social Friday, Jan. 24.
The bulk of the movies will be shown from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Film blocks will also include interviews and question and answer sessions with filmmakers and marine scientists.
A detailed listing of film blocks, times and locations is available at bigbluefilmfest.com.
The festival’s opening night social and films, with complimentary food and drinks, is from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24. Tickets are $25. The evening includes a selection of films, including the “Most Inspiring Film” award winner, El Pulmo, and a locally produced film on building state-of-the-art research vessels to advance the future of oceangoing science. Mark Kronemeyer, the filmmaker of El Pulmo, is scheduled to attend to accept his award and answer audience questions.
Tickets are available online and in-person at the Newport Performing Arts Center’s ticket office or by calling 541-265-ARTS. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the event, but due to sold-out blocks in previous years, event organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
The Big Blue Film Fest is a collaboration between Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and the Newport Performing Arts Center.
