12th Annual San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival Screens 'Sand Wars' Followed by a Panel Discussion with Writer/Director Denis Delestrac

Leading up to this year's film festival, which takes place from February 27th to March 2nd, the San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival is holding two special of events.

The first is a special screening on January 20th at Cowell Theater of the epic eco-thriller film "Sand Wars". The film is an investigative documentary by French journalist, writer and award-winning director Denis Delestrac that shines a light on the consequences that intensive beach sand mining has on the environment.

"California and Sand Wars have some kind of a love affair. First of all we shot in several California locations, particularly in the northern part of the state like Glass Beach in Fort Bragg and UC Santa Cruz, and also in Manhattan Beach for instance where is erosion is dramatic. But beyond the locations and the interviews we shot along the coast, I've found in San Francisco the most incredible support, an amazing environmental consciousness and a profound will to bring the issue of beach erosion and sand mining to the rest of the world. Californians, from North to the border of Mexico, have a special relationship with the ocean, and I sincerely believe that they play a key part in helping me bring the message to the world and save those beaches we love so much," said filmmaker Denis Delestrac.

"This compelling and insightful documentary was one of the most talked-about films at last year's festival. The film's impact is lasting and we are honored to be able to provide a special screening at the festivals new home, the recently remodeled Cowell Theater," said SFIOFF Executive Director Ana Blanco.

After the screening there will be a panel discussion that includes the filmmaker Denis Delestrac, Sejal Choksi from the SF Bay Keeper, Ben Grant of SPUR, Lesley Ewing of the California Coastal Commission, and moderated by Brian Baird, Director of Coast and Ocean Programs of the Aquarium of THE BAY and Bay Institute. Tickets for the event can be purchased at http://oceanfilmfest.org.

On January 22nd the SFIOFF will be hosting Bay Area Blue Drinks at the Gold Dust Lounge located at 165 Jefferson Street. Blue Drinks is a professional and social get-together for people in the coastal and marine fields throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Should you have more questions about Sand Wars or if you are unable to make it to the screening filmmaker Denis Delestrac will be in attendance.

ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL
The San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival (SFIOFF) will launch into its 12th annual celebration of the world's oceans on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the historic Maritime Museum at Aquatic Park. The Opening Night Gala will feature visiting filmmakers from around the world, trailers of select films, and culinary stars from THE BAY Area finest restaurants and wineries.

The SFIOFF will dock at San Francisco's newly renovated Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center for three days of ocean-themed films and special events, February 27 - March 2, 2015.

The SFIOFF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to is to inspire people to appreciate and care for the ocean by revealing its wonders through independent films. The SFIOFF began its legacy at the historic Dolphin Club, adjacent to the SF Maritime Museum across from Aquatic Park in San Francisco. Screening its first film festival at Cowell Theater more than twelve years ago, the film festival continues to be the ocean destination event of the year. Widely regarded as the most prestigious film festival in the country dedicated solely to film topics focused on the ocean, the SFIOFF has featured key industry experts such as Jean Michel Cousteau, oceanographer Dr. Don Walsh and many other notable marine scientists.

WHAT: Screening of "San Wars" and panel discussion that includes filmmaker Denis Delestrac

WHEN: Tuesday, January 20th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Cowell Theater at Fort Mason
COST: Adults: $15, Student/Senior: $10, Child 12 & under: $8.
INFO: visit http://oceanfilmfest.org to purchase tickets

WHAT: SFIOFF Hosts Bay Area Blue Drinks with special guest filmmaker Denis Delestrac
WHEN: Thursday, January 22nd, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Gold Dust Lounge at 165 Jefferson Street
COST: Free, no host bar, 2 for 1 drink specials for attendees
INFO: Call (415) 561-6251, visit http://oceanfilmfest.org or https://www.facebook.com/oceanfilmfest