Catalina Underwater Film Festival 2027

Join us at the Catalina Island Underwater Film Festival, where the mysteries of the ocean come to life through captivating films and inspiring stories.

Discover the Depths

Join the Adventure

February 19 - 20

Celebrating Oceanic Storytelling

The Catalina Underwater Film Festival is the premier inaugural celebration of ocean storytelling, innovation in underwater cinematography, and marine conservation. Set against the backdrop of the historic Casino Theatre in Avalon, CA, on February 19–20, 2027, the festival’s theme, "Films That Awaken New Depths," seeks to move beyond cold statistics to inspire a transformation for our blue planet.

Guided by the philosophy of "Storytelling that shifts the tide," we invite filmmakers, conservationists, and ocean enthusiasts to join a curated experience designed to reveal the inextricable link between humanity and the sea. This event serves as a platform for unique voices to showcase cinema that does more than inform, it transforms!

Upcoming Festival Highlights

Avalon Harbor Clean Up 2026

Feburary 21, 2026

Submissions Open

June 15, 2026

Submissions Closed

December 15, 2026

Film Festival

February 19-20, 2027

Showcase Your Vision Beneath the Surface

Every wave tells a story, now it’s time to tell yours! The Catalina Underwater Film Festival is officially calling all filmmakers and photographers to share their breathtaking encounters and oceanic wonders.

Imagery by Explorers Photography
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