As Canada’s ocean film festival, the Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films (VFOF) is dedicated to the issues, personalities and the sports of our oceans. Returning for its fifth season VFOF will be presenting three unique shows at the SFU Goldcorp Theatre, located at 149 West Hastings, on June 3, 4 and 5. This year’s focus is on adventure, surf and environment issues in the Antarctic and elsewhere. VFOF will be continuing its partnership with the non-profit organization, the Georgia Strait Alliance. The net profits from the festival will be donated to the Alliance to assist in their mission to protect and restore the marine environment and promote the sustainability of the Georgia Strait, its adjoining waters and communities.

Here’s a sampling of the film lineup:

RiverBlue: extended trailer sneak peek with introduction with Mark Angelo
Mark Angelo, a passionate storyteller and river advocate, has paddled more rivers in his lifetime than perhaps anyone else on this planet. Having paddled globally for over 40 years, he has sadly watched the decline of the rivers he loves. Journeying through some of the most pristine to most devastated rivers, Mark discovers and unveils the source of much destruction of these waters: jeans manufacturing.

Through harsh chemical manufacturing processes and the irresponsible disposal of toxic chemical waste, one of our favorite iconic products has destroyed the rivers and changed the lives of people who count on these waterways for their survival. This single industry will serve as the worst case scenario, showing how mankind has, at times, shown little regard for what nature has given us. RiverBlue will not only bring awareness to the destruction of a some of the world’s vital rivers through the manufacturing of jeans, but will also act as a rally cry to demand significant change in the textile industry from the top fashion brands that can make a difference.

The Questions We Ask
Last spring, Canadian adventurer Bruce Kirkby crossed the Georgia Straight from Vancouver to Victoria on an inflatable standup paddleboard. In this award-winning short film, he contemplates the true meaning of adventure. “[The film] says more in a few minutes than most ever say in an hour” – Rob Beedle, Global Surf Network

Haenyo: Women of the Sea
Haenyeo refers to the women free-divers of Jeju Island, South Korea who for centuries have collected sea food without the use of scuba equipment. This short documentary provides a portrait of Chuwar Park, a still active and unbelievably vibrant 82-year-old diver. Examining her daily routine as well as her past, Park sheds light on this unique matriarchal culture that has changed little since the 19th century.

Bella Vita
A much anticipated premiere from renowned film-maker Jason Baffa, chronicling the journey of surfer/artist/environmentalist Chris Del Moro and friends as they explore the burgeoning surf culture blossoming among one the Mediterranean’s oldest civilisations. A visual epic and travelogue captured in sumptuous 35mm, Bella Vita is an intimate and powerful journey of self-discovery steeped in culture, tradition and passion.

Born of mistral winds and witness to the birth of western civilization, the waves of the Italian coast have carried merchants, fishermen, travelers and kings. Preserved like a Roman ruin, the surf of the Italian coast now carries Chris del Moro on a pilgrimage back to his ancestral homeland to explore a culture where old-world convention and traditional craftsmanship have matured into a modern surf lifestyle and destination. Features Chris Del Moro, Dave Rastovitch, Lauren Hill, Connor Coffin and more.