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!