Florida Sea Grant and Beneath the Waves invite you to an entirely ocean-related film festival titled “Living on the Edge: Striking a Balance Between the Economy and the Environment.” The festival will take place July 16, 2016 from 6 – 9 p.m. in the J.W. Reitz Union Auditorium at the University of Florida.
If you are interested in learning more about the issues facing Florida’s coast, this event is for you. Living in a densely-populated coastal state puts Floridians in a tough predicament. In a state that relies on the tourism, fishing and real estate industries, we often face a difficult balancing act between economic and environmental interests.
Our film festival consists of three short films, each portraying different aspects of the coastal environment. After each film, faculty from the University of Florida and Stetson University will provide commentary and answer audience questions about issues raised in the films. As a bonus, local Gainesville filmmaker Sami Kattan, the producer of the evening’s film finale, will be on hand to discuss his film-making process.
Doors open at 5:30. Film screenings will start promptly at 6:30. Come early to mingle and get some movie-themed snacks and drinks. There will also be a cash bar available.
The event is free, open to the public and family-friendly! Come with questions — we expect this to be an interactive event and lively discussion is encouraged.
For more information, download the event flyer and RSVP on the Facebook event page. Parking information and directions to the auditorium will be shared on the Facebook event page. See below for the agenda and descriptions of the films to be shown.
Agenda:
5:30-6:30 Arrive early mingle with a cash bar and selection of movie-themed snacks!
6:30: Welcome & Introductions
6:45: Ecosystem Science: Facing Trade-offs in Ocean Management
Filmmaker: Phillip Levin, NOAA Fisheries
The oceans provide us with food, medicines, transportation, recreation and spiritual well-being. Yet, many of our uses of the oceans are in conflict. A key to restoring and maintaining our ocean’s health is to recognize that we face trade-offs and to develop the means to address these. Through conversations with the users and managers of the U.S. Pacific Ocean, we highlight the need to make investments in the health of ecosystems. We can have it all, but we need to re-define what prosperity means. We need to set ourselves up so that this new definition of prosperity serves the needs of our oceans and the people who rely on them.
Commentary by: Jason Evans, assistant professor of environmental science and studies, Stetson University
7:00: Two Fish
Filmmaker: Sarah Curry, Fish Navy Films
As our oceans reach their sustainable limits of wild-caught production, farm-raised fish and shellfish will be part of the solution for meeting global seafood demand. But not all fish farms are created equal. Join fish ecologist Andy Danylchuk as he compares two fish: the Atlantic bluefin tuna and the common carp. How are these fish different and what does that mean for the consumer?
Commentary by: Chuck Adams, Florida Sea Grant marine economics specialist, University of Florida
7:30 Intermission
7:45: The Global Connection: Little Island, Big Fish
Filmmaker: Sami Kattan, Nomad’s Land
The Global Connection is a documentary web series that highlights local environmental issues around the world that have broader, global implications. Episodes are created from the minds of millennials traveling to unique locations to discover natural beauty, expose environmental issues, and use film as a platform to propose solutions and calls to action for both the local community and citizens of the world.
In this pilot episode, Little Island Big Fish, Sami Kattan journeys to Mexico’s Isla Holbox to witness the largest gathering of whale sharks on the planet. While uncovering the tourist industry that surrounds this magnificent creature, he also uncovers impacts that visitors may not realize they create.
Commentary by: Sami Kattan, filmmaker
8:30: Audience Q & A
