Meet the Creative Minds Behind the Film Festival

Steven Lopez is a technical diver, award-winning cinematographer, and Co-Founder of Explorers Photography, dedicated to building visual records of the world’s most remote underwater environments. With an MSc from the University of Southampton and further studies at MIT, Steven’s expertise bridges the evolution of maritime navigation with natural history. His work focuses on documenting the change over time in ecosystems ranging from the Amazon River systems to the polar regions. His imagery has been recognized by the United Nations and the British Film Institute for its role in maritime research and environmental advocacy.

Dr. Carmen Obied is an award-winning underwater cinematographer, maritime archaeologist, and Co-Founder of Explorers Photography. Specializing in the photogrammetry and geospatial mapping of ancient cultural landscapes, she holds a PhD in maritime archaeology with a career spanning the Mediterranean, Levant, and Red Sea. Dr. Obied blends rigorous scientific methodology with cinematic storytelling to advocate for ocean preservation. Her work documenting fragile ecosystems and climate change reaches from the Arctic and Antarctica to the Amazon and California’s kelp forests.

Jennifer Idol is an underwater storyteller and the first woman to dive all 50 U.S. states, a journey chronicled in her book, An American Immersion. A Fellow of The Explorers Club and a two-time PADI AmbassaDiver, her work is featured in DIVER and SCUBA Diving magazines. As Marketing Director for Avelo and an expedition leader with Big Fish Expeditions, Jennifer focuses on advancing diving technology and guiding divers through world-class marine wildlife encounters to foster deep connections with aquatic ecosystems.

Annie Olszewski is the PADI Regional Manager for the Western United States, where she supports dive centers and professionals in community growth and business development. A PADI Course Director with over 20 years of industry experience, Annie has built an extensive career in dive retail, professional training, and global leadership. Her work focuses on mentoring the next generation of dive professionals and strengthening the diving community through hands-on expertise and strategic support for dive businesses worldwide.

Rocío Bunker is a PADI Course Director, Instructor Trainer, and PADI AmbassaDiver with over 20 years of experience in the diving industry. Originally from La Paz, Mexico, and now based in San Diego, she serves as the Training Director at Ocean Enterprises, one of the world's busiest dive centers. Rocío is an expert-level REEF surveyor and a passionate advocate for citizen science, using her platform to connect people with the ocean through education and conservation. Her work—from mentoring the next generation of dive professionals to conducting marine life surveys—is dedicated to fostering a global community of ocean stewards.