Second Annual Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast International Film Festival 2026

The film festival brings internationally and locally acclaimed films to our community – helping to drive awareness and conservation of our Great Lakes and Oceans. At Friends of Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary, we know that change starts with people like you. Every act of kindness, every dollar, and every moment of your time brings us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all.

DOORS OPEN AT 5PM, WITH A CASH BAR FEATURING A SPECIAL ONE-NIGHT-ONLY LOCAL BEER!

SHOW IS FROM 6PM-830 PM.

TICKETS ARE ONLY $5.00 each !

How you can help power our mission:

Donate: Every dollar counts. Contribute now to help us reach our goal.
Share: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.
Volunteer: Your time and skills can make an impact too.
Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/wisconsin-shipwreck-coast-international-film-festival-sponsorship-and-donor-opportunities

Great Lakes, Great Films / April 10, 2026 5PM-830 PM

In partnership with the International Ocean Film Festival

Shipwreck Coast Friends is thrilled to work with our partners to bring eight international and regional films to our communities – helping to drive awareness and conservation of our Great Lakes and Ocean. Join us as we kick off the 2nd Annual Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast International Film Festival in Manitowoc!

Get Your Ticket

Film Selections

Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert / Canada / 20 min

Cutting-edge underwater drones explore how quadrillions of tiny invasive quagga mussels are re-engineering the ecosystem of the Great Lakes at a scale not seen since the glaciers. Part scientific exploration, part natural history adventure – the film shines a spotlight on freshwater wildlife and environments like never before.

Watch Trailer

Tyler Schiffman | USA | 9 min

Within the last decade 96% of the kelp forests along California’s coasts have disappeared. If that many trees disappeared, it would be front-page news everywhere.” Urgently narrated by Greg Downie, a commercial urchin diver who, with the disappearance of red sea urchin, has lost his livelihood. This film educates us about the interdependence of kelp forests, sea-stars, urchins, and the people who play a role in keeping the ecosystem in balance.

Watch Trailer

Chelsea J. Jolly | USA | 25 min

Yakutat, with 400 residents, sits at the mouth of Yakutat Bay north of Glacier Bay, Alaska. Home to the Tlingit people for centuries, the region offers fishing, hunting and wild natural beauty, but not much for teenagers––until one native resident returns from college and introduces them to the pleasures of joyful, spirit-strengthening surfing, right where they live. Whole families become involved, contributing boards, wetsuits, and a mix of Tlingit traditions.

Robert Whitney / USA / 12 min

"Thunder Enlightening" chronicles the week-long deployment a team of Special Operations veterans from FORCE BLUE made to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary as part of their nonprofit organization’s "Tour of Duty". It is the story of the work they performed, the people they touched and the collective hope that, together, they might inspire others to help preserve and restore one of America’s national treasures.

Kingdom of Ice | Paul Nicklen & Andy Mann | Canada | 9 min

This bite-sized film takes a “Gary Larsen-esque” look at one of Antarctica’s most fearsome predators, leopard seals. The bane of hapless penguins, they confront divers with a fearless ferocity and razor-sharp teeth. The humans soon discover they are objects of special interest: but as pals…or prey? See how one encounter revealed our “role” in their world (prepare to be humbled).

A. A. Parker: One Ship, Twice Sunk | Corey Adkins / USA / 12 min

Who would have thought a ship could sink twice? That’s exactly what happened to the wooden steamer A.A. Parker, but on September 19th, 1903, Lake Superior would finally claim the vessel, miraculously no one lost their life. Join us for this mini-documentary and learn how the crew of the Parker was saved in a brave rescue mission. Then, almost 100-years later after it sank, it was discovered by the GLSHS and how they were surprised the way it’s sitting on the bottom of Superior. We also pay an emotional tribute to a diver who loved exploring the bottom of our Great Lakes.

USA | 16 min

This concise, upbeat film captures the triumph of eelgrass restoration in Crystal River, Florida. The story unfolds as the community unites to safeguard manatees, which are threatened by invasive algae. A testament to grassroots efforts, this film inspires with creative solutions, that illustrate how everyone can make a difference in preserving ecosystems and protecting wildlife.

A Vision for On-water Experiences at Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast NMS | Great Lakes Outreach Media / USA / 5 min

National marine sanctuaries are living classrooms where people can explore and learn about the nation's spectacular marine life and rich maritime heritage. This short film follows a group of educators and students as they board a research vessel and explore the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary first-hand.