9th Annual World Whale Film Festival

The World Whale Film Festival, launched in 2017 by Greg and Selket Kaufman of Pacific Whale Foundation, is an annual Maui-based event celebrating World Whale Day. The festival showcases short films that highlight ocean conservation, marine wildlife protection, Indigenous ecological knowledge, and environmental stewardship, inspiring ocean advocacy through storytelling.

Recognizing a growing need to share stories about ocean conservation within our community, the festival invites passionate filmmakers—including students and first-time creators—to lend their voices through film. Since 2021, the addition of an online platform has connected global audiences to Pacific Whale Foundation’s mission of protecting the ocean through science, advocacy.

As Maui’s film community continues to evolve, the festival continues to thrive by exploring opportunities for collaboration that strengthen its local connections while expanding its reach as a powerful international platform —bridging visual storytelling with real-world conservation impact. By cultivating community and culture, we ensure that Hawai‘i’s unique stories not only thrive but resonate far beyond our shores.