2024 SYLVIA EARLE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

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JEANNE MEYERS
Co-founder/Director
The MY HERO Project
[email protected]

MY HERO ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2024 SYLVIA EARLE OCEAN CONSERVATION AWARD 

JUNE 5, 2024, LAGUNA BEACH, CA - The winners of the 2024 Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award have been announced. One of the first-place winners is a short documentary called "If You Give a Beach a Bottle," directed by Max Romey. Inspired by a picture book, Romey's film highlights the issue of ocean debris in Alaska.

Still image from "If You Give a Beach a Bottle"Max Romey 

During a beach-cleaning trip, he discovered that, even the smallest corner of beach had enough trash to fill a sketchbook. The documentary also addresses the alarming amount of new debris added to the oceans each week and the impact of plastic debris toxins on the food chain.

The winner in the Student Category is "Spear. Spatula. Submarine," directed by USC student Shannon Morrall. This short documentary focuses on the efforts of passionate Florida residents who are battling the predatory lionfish, an invasive species that is destroying sea life in their local waters. The film showcases the residents' struggle and introduces the individuals dedicating their time and resources to combat this issue. 

Still image from "Spear. Spatula. Submarine"Shannon Morrall 

The 2024 Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award, sponsored by the MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation's One World One Ocean Campaign, will be presented on June 8th, World Oceans Day, at the Rivian South Coast Theater. The award comes with cash prizes of up to $2,000. The event will feature screenings of selected short films, as well as musical guests and speakers. 

Sylvia Earle, a world-renowned oceanographer and explorer, is the inspiration behind the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award. As the president of Mission Blue, she supports the work of conservation NGOs that aim to build public support for ocean protection.

MacGillivray Freeman Films, known for producing IMAX films and earning two Academy Award nominations, sponsors the award through the MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation. The organization is passionate about visual storytelling, innovative cinematography, and the latest advancements in digital technology. One World One Ocean, founded to raise awareness of ocean degradation and inspire action, is involved in choosing the winners of the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award. Barbara MacGillivray, the Director of Partner Outreach for the organization, plays a key role in the selection process.

The MY HERO International Film Festival, which presents the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award, is part of The MY HERO Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing stories, art, music, and short films about everyday heroes worldwide. The organization's resources are used in classrooms and after-school programs in 197 countries. 

Submissions of short films for the 20th Annual MY HERO International Film Festival are currently being accepted until September 1st. Filmmakers of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Celebrate World Oceans Day

Join MY HERO on Saturday, June 8th, at 6:30 pm, for an evening of uplifting, ocean-minded films, speakers and music at the Rivian South Coast Theater. Admission is free. Reserve your seats here.