The Institute for Coastal Plain Science to host “Beneath the Waves Mini-Film Festival”

February 26, 2014

The Georgia Southern University Institute for Coastal Plain Science will explore marine life when it hosts “Beneath the Waves Mini-Film Festival” in conjunction with the Center for Sustainability on March 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Russell Union theater.

The unique marine science and conservation event, which is free and open to the public, will feature stunning footage of manta rays, sharks, Northern Right Whales, coral reefs, salt marshes and many other organisms and ecosystems. In addition, seven short films ranging from five to 15 minutes will address both regional and international ocean issues.

“We had so many great films to choose from that it was extremely difficult to narrow the list down to just a few. What this means, however, is that we have some films with great footage of undersea life that also relay important messages about ocean health,” said Danny Gleason, director of the Institute for Coastal Plain Science at Georgia Southern and one of the film festival co-organizers.

Afterward, there will be an opportunity to discuss the films with ocean experts that include Mary Conley, director of marine conservation for the Southeastern U.S. at the Nature Conservancy; Michael Denmark, executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association of Georgia and local sport fisherman; Scott Noakes, research scientist at the University of Georgia; George Sedberry, superintendent of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary and Gleason.

The films shown will be provided by the Beneath the Waves Inc., a unique student-run, nonprofit organization that has solicited hundreds of films from all over the world and has connected thousands of people from all walks of life and locations with the stories and issues facing our oceans. The event is funded in part with student sustainability fees.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.