Climate Solutions! Courtesy of Will Moffett
William Moffett, a middle school student from Florida, US, has won first place in the Middle School category of the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award at the MY HERO International Film Festival. In his film, Climate Solutions!, Moffett documents his experience working with the Coral Restoration Foundation building coral trees and planting resistant corals in desolate reefs. Watch Climate Solutions! here.
Moffett has always been a keen scuba diver and loves being surrounded by marine life. Though he appreciates its beauty, he’s heard stories from fellow divers about what the reefs once were. “Other divers frequently tell me about the beauty of the ocean and marine life from decades ago,” he explained to MY HERO. “I would love to have seen it then and I want to do my part to bring it back.”
When he learned about the Coral Restoration Foundation, Moffett contacted them and asked if it would be possible to be involved in building some of their coral trees. With the help of his fellow Boy Scouts from troops 268 and 277, Moffett helped put together the trees before diving with a team from the foundation to install them.
Capturing that part of the process came with its challenges. “I was concerned about the technical aspects of filming under water,” Moffett explained. “The natural light had to be perfect as we didn’t have lighting equipment. We also wanted to be sure to capture our interactions with marine life.” Despite the challenges, the footage came out perfectly.
Courtesy of Will MoffettWill Moffett dives with a team from the Coral Restoration Foundation to install their innovative coral trees.
Being able to highlight the Coral Restoration Foundation’s work was at the very core of Moffett’s project. “The importance of the film,” he told MY HERO, “Is to educate the public that there are teams of people trying to turn back the clock on climate change and its impact on the ocean and marine life.”
Based in Florida, The Coral Restoration Foundation work across the US, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico on various restoration projects, as well as contributing to research and education in the Maldives, Kenya, Australia, Singapore, Germany, and Indonesia.[1] They work round the clock to find innovative ways to increase biodiversity and replenish reefs that have been damaged by climate change, and other human activity such as fishing, boating, and littering.
Moffett wanted to highlight the CRF’s work, and film was the perfect medium to do it. “I love documenting and telling stories through film. It’s as a medium that’s very powerful for communicating ideas,” he said. His next project will focus on the first free legally sanctioned African American settlement in the United States, formed over 100 years before the Emancipation Proclamation. “Few people know about this settlement,” Moffett explained, “It’s a fascinating story.”
Courtesy of Will MoffettWill Moffett visits the Coral Restoration Foundation in Florida Keys.
On winning the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award, Moffett explained
I was so incredibly grateful to have our film recognized by those that understand our undertaking the best. I documented our efforts in the film and distributed it through film festivals globally, in an effort to educate others on efforts underway to restore marine life and habit in the face of global warming. I was beyond thrilled to know that our film is impacting others and was recognized for such a noteworthy organization.
His advice to other young people with a story to tell?
Make an impact on something that you’re passionate about. Young people can make a difference too. Research opportunities to get involved. Lead a project. Tell your story.
About the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award
MacGillivray-Freeman Films Educational Foundation’s One World One Ocean Campaign sponsors the ‘Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award’ annually at the MY HERO International Film Festival. One World One Ocean is a global non-profit campaign designed to connect people emotionally to the world's ocean. Their mission is to raise awareness of ocean degradation, to inspire audiences through cinematography and to spark a global movement to protect our seas.
Sylvia Earle is a world-renowned oceanographer, explorer, author, lecturer, leader, and research scientist who has led more than 70 expeditions, logging more than 6,500 hours underwater. Formally chief scientist of NOAA and now a National Geographic explorer-in-residence, she was awarded the 2009 TED Prize for her proposal to establish a global network of marine protected areas, called “hope spots.”
Said Greg MacGillivray, Chairman of MacGillivray Freeman Films, “Sylvia Earle is our ocean hero, and we hope this award inspires aspiring filmmakers to shine a spotlight on other dedicated people from all walks of life who are working tirelessly on behalf of our oceans."
Read more about the award, and its sponsors, here.
To see previous winners of the MY HERO Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award, or enter for 2026, go to: myhero.com/sylvia-earle-ocean-conservation-award
About the MY HERO International Film Festival:
The My Hero Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing films that celebrate the power of the human spirit. Hosted by Eva Haller, a prominent philanthropist and advocate for social change, the festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share inspirational stories of everyday heroes. Thanks to generous sponsors, prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college and professionals in a variety of categories including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more.
The festival aims to inspire audiences to recognize the heroism in their own lives and encourage positive actions in their communities. Learn more.
Page created on 9/6/2025 1:00:43 PM
Last edited 9/6/2025 1:13:34 PM
