Courtesy photo Thunder Bay International Film Festival attendees are seen gathered at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena for last year’s events.

ALPENA — One of winter’s largest events in Northeast Michigan is set to commence soon and local organizers are excited for people to see what is in store for this year’s Thunder Bay International Film Festival

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) will host its 14th annual Thunder Bay International Film Festival (TBIFF) from Jan. 21 through Jan. 25 in Alpena and Rogers City.

According to a TBNMS press release, the film festival is hosted in partnership with the International Ocean Film Festival. The festival will feature films about the Great Lakes, shark conservation, deep sea exploration, surfing, preserving first nation heritage, and more.

“Whether you’re looking to spend just a few hours with us, or the entire five days of the festival, there really is something for everyone,” Jeff Gray, TBNMS superintendent, said in the release. “With an amazing array of content we really believe audience members will be inspired to protect our special places underwater.”

According to TBNMS, the festival will feature close to 60 films, ranging in length from two-minutes to feature-length. The festival will also feature social events, a filmmakers’ panel, educational activities, and opportunities to meet and network with filmmakers and scientists.

“If you’re looking for something educational and entertaining to do in January in Northeast Michigan, this is it,” Stephanie Gandulla, film festival coordinator and TBNMS resource protection coordinator, said in the release.

Gandulla told The News that she looks forward to the festival every year and added that it is an opportunity to recognize the beauty of the Great Lakes.

“Film festival is my favorite part of winter in Northeast Michigan!” Gandulla said. “It’s a great time to gather with friends and filmmakers in the theater and celebrate our beautiful ocean and Great Lakes.”

“The film festival is a vehicle that connects us with our environment and deepens our understanding of our place within this miraculous world,” Mary Beth Stutzman, president of the Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said in the release, as well. “The variety of topics and perspectives presented through film, the panel discussions, and interaction with other attendees offer an immersive experience that fine tunes and broadens our ability to continue to care for these special waters.”

Filmmakers will also attend the event, offering opportunities for attendees to network.

“This festival isn’t just a screening opportunity-it’s a catalyst for transformation,” Kyle Maddux-Lawrence, filmmaker of (ITAL)Sanctuary: Beneath the Surface(ITAL) and (ITAL)The Weight: Coming Up for Air(ITAL), said in the release.

Maddux-Lawrence’s films will play in Alpena on Friday night during the Great Lakes Gala. “These films aren’t just entertainment, they create lasting inspiration and impact,” Maddux-Lawrence added. “I have been coming to this festival for years and it is a place where storytelling becomes a force for environmental stewardship and community. It is the perfect place to premiere each of my new films.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to view the film (ITAL)Dinosaur Fish(ITAL), which tells the story of conservationists in Saginaw Bay working to bring Lake Sturgeon back to the area.

“We are beyond excited to return to the Thunder Bay International Film Festival with our film Dinosaur Fish,” Jason Whalen said in the release. “The project was created in collaboration with The Conservation Fund and a coalition of partners and was filmed in and around the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron.”

Leading up to this year’s film festival, the TBNMS education team has been visiting schools across Northeast Michigan to bring the films featured in the festival to classrooms. According to TBNMS, these teasers are opportunities to bring independent short films into the classroom and inspire conversations about the ocean and Great Lakes, as well as marine and film careers.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.