Mapping the Blue Wins Film Award at BLUE!
(2014)
LANDOVER, MD November 15, 2014 – The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation and its founder, His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia, have won the award for Best Film in the Conservation Innovation and Solutions category of the 2014 BLUE Carpet Film Awards for their film Mapping the Blue. Films were selected as part of the BLUE Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit (BLUE) as being the top cinematic works for ocean conservation and awareness. The film, produced by the Foundation’s Communications Director, Alison Barrat, tells the story of the world’s largest marine park. [Watch the video.]
About Mapping the Blue
In 2012 the Cook Islands announced a Mega Marine Park – the biggest there has ever been on Earth. This is one of the most magnificent places on the planet and local people, traditional leaders and the fishermen of the magnificent Cook Islands are determined that it should remain so. Mapping the Blue tells the story of how Rugby League star, Kevin Iro, turned conservationist and founded the world’s largest sanctuary where he used to play as a boy. By using high tech mapping, Iro and his team are able to show the best uses for areas within this pristine ocean park which is good for conservation and the needs of local people. The film, produced in stunning 4K ultra-high definition, is a must-see for all those interested in the health of our oceans from marine biologists to recreational scuba divers. It points to a model of how such precious areas can be preserved all over the world and provides hope for the future.
About the BLUE Film Festival
BLUE Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit (BLUE) is a one-of-a-kind film industry and community event bringing together films, filmmakers and leaders in ocean research and conservancy. It is an enlightening and entertaining 7-Day summit showcasing the world’s finest ocean films and award winning marine photography along with a filmmakers marketplace, science and conservation seminars, international policy discussions and a robust ocean media industry conference.
Industry Conference seminars and workshops offer mentoring from esteemed professionals from the synergistic disciplines of media technology, underwater film-making, marine photography, ocean conservation, deep sea exploration, marine sciences, project funding, television programming, feature film production and content distribution.
“More than films, more than a celebration of all things wet, the Blue Ocean Film Festival brings together a potent mix of artists, scientists, conservationists, decision makers, industry leaders, inquisitive teachers, lively kids and more. Come to be in the company of kindred spirits and make useful contacts. Come to be entertained, or inspired, or informed. Come to have a good time. Whatever strums your blue heartstrings just don’t miss out.” -Dr. Sylvia Earle Founder Mission Blue, SEAlliance and a National Geographic Explorer in Residence
The specific category in which Mapping the Blue won the award, Conservation Innovation and Solutions, recognizes the best films showcasing conservation Initiatives, effective solutions, new innovations or successful strategies that address issues threatening the sustainability of the ocean, its marine life or its ability to provide adequate life support for the planet.
