6 Ocean Documentary Films Making an Impact Locally and Globally
June is Ocean Awareness Month—a time to celebrate the vast blue heart of our planet and spotlight the urgent need to protect it. Covering over 70% of Earth’s surface, the ocean is not only home to extraordinary biodiversity, but it also regulates our climate, provides food and oxygen, and connects communities around the globe.
At Coast Film & Music Festival, we honor the ocean through powerful storytelling—amplifying films, voices, and solutions that inspire action for a healthier, more sustainable future. Whether you're inspired by marine science, climate action, Indigenous knowledge, or youth-led conservation, our curated selection of ocean documentaries showcases the people and projects creating meaningful change from Southern California to shores around the world.
1. Seaweed Stories (2024)
Presented by Lonely Whale, in association with re:wild | Narrated by Forest Whitaker, Directed by Jake Sumner | Seaweed Stories was featured during Coast Summit 2024 with guest speaker Julia Marsh, CEO & Co-Founder of Sway
Why it matters: As the ocean faces the triple threat of plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, innovators are turning to nature for solutions, harnessing the power of seaweed to help solve these challenges. Seaweed Stories includes insights from a Silicon Valley startup creating plastic alternatives from macro-algae, to the Indigenous Shinnecock Kelp Farmers using seaweed to prove their sovereign right to coastal land, and a scientist in South Korea supporting seaweeds’ sexual reproduction to create new species that can withstand the effects of a changing climate. These nature-based solutions address plastic pollution and help restore and preserve marine ecosystems.
2. Operation Restoration: Oyster (2024)
Directed by Lindsey Hagen | Featured at CFMF 2024 and winner of the MacGillivray Freeman Environmental Film Award
Why it matters: Operation Restoration is a new five-part film series that highlights five of 11th Hour Racing’s remarkable ecosystem restoration grantees. Through the eyes of those on the front lines, we'll share their passion, determination, and the impact of their work in restoring the planet’s balance. “Oyster” highlights the Massachusetts Oyster Project's (MOP) efforts to rejuvenate marine ecosystems through oyster restoration. MOP implements programs such as oyster cultivation, shell recycling, and public education to enhance water quality and promote sustainable practices across Massachusetts. Oysters, capable of filtering up to 50 gallons of water daily, play a crucial role in improving marine health. The organization also engages communities by placing oyster upwellers—structures where young oysters grow safely—in accessible public areas, fostering environmental awareness. Through collaborations with local restaurants for shell recycling and initiatives like the Yarmouth Upweller project, MOP aims to plant one million oysters by 2030, demonstrating how community-driven efforts can lead to significant ecological improvements.
3. Transecting Borneo
Produced by Blue Latitudes Foundation | Directed by Scott Sporleder
Why it matters: Featuring an all-female team of marine scientists, this documentary follows reef health surveys in one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth: Borneo. The film emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and scientific data in safeguarding coral reefs from climate-driven degradation.
Join us at Rivian South Coast Theater on August 22nd at 7 p.m. to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Blue Latitudes Foundation with a special screening of Transecting Borneo, a Q&A with Blue Latitudes Foundation co-founders Amber Sparks and Emily Hazelwood and director Scott Sporleder, and an unforgettable evening of ocean storytelling and inspiration with the legendary Dr. Sylvia Earle, President and Chair of Mission Blue.
🎟️ Get your tickets for August 22, 2025
🎥 Watch Mission Blue trailer by Sylvia Earle, a Netflix original documentary
🌐 Learn more about Blue Latitudes Foundation
4. Aqua Grom
Directed by Alia Marriner | Featured at Coast Film & Music Festival 2024 and Coast Summit 2024
Why it matters: This uplifting short centers on a local Laguna Beach grom discovering her passion for the ocean through surfing. The film highlights the role of intergenerational education, community engagement, and youth leadership in environmental conservation.
Check out the interview at Coast Summit 2024 with Alia Marriner
5. Usugilix Awakun (2024)
Directed by Palmer Morse, Spruce Tone
Why it matters: This deeply moving documentary explores the Unangax̂ people's enduring relationship with the sea and the challenges posed by harmful algal blooms due to climate change. It sheds light on food sovereignty, Indigenous wisdom, and the interconnectedness of culture and conservation.
6. David Attenborough: Ocean (2025)
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough
Why it matters: A feature-length documentary that delves into the wonders and challenges of the world's oceans. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the film showcases the beauty of marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and kelp forests, while addressing pressing issues like destructive fishing practices and coral bleaching. Despite highlighting these threats, the documentary offers a message of hope, emphasizing the ocean's resilience and the potential for recovery through global conservation efforts. Released in May 2025 to coincide with Attenborough's 99th birthday, the film is available on National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu.
