Join the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary at the Great Lakes Gala where film lovers and creators gather to celebrate the art of storytelling. The Great Lakes Gala promises a memorable evening of celebration, inspiration, and community, marking the start of the weekend festival in Alpena dedicated to the beauty and preservation of our water landscapes.
Enjoy an evening of films intertwined with delicious local food and drinks (drink tickets can be purchased separately during the event at the Sanctuary Gift Store, this ticket includes food and the films).
After the films, there will be a live discussion with some of the filmmakers!
NOAA's Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary hosts the Thunder Bay International Film Festival in partnership with the International Ocean Film Festival, the premier global platform for ocean literacy and education through independent film.
Featured Films:
Keepers of the Land, Deirdre Leowinata & Douglas Neasloss (Canada) 29 min
In the heart of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation is developing ecosystem monitoring and action programs, finding strength in stories and culture, and emerging as a stewardship leader in Canada. Made with exquisite footage, this is a meditative and deeply moving story about indigenous resurgence and reviving human connection with the land and ocean that we call home.
Sacred Waters, Finn Ryan (USA) 15 min
The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians is the largest indigenous tribe east of the Mississippi and has been stewarding the fisheries of their Great Lakes territory for generations. This project explores the importance of the fishery to the tribe and how they’re working to ensure a healthy fishery for the next seven generations.
Thunder Enlightening, Bob 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.
Intermission
The Captain Goes Down With the Ship: the Wreck of the Arlington, Corey Adkins (USA), 15 min*
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) along with shipwreck researcher Dan Fountain, are proud to announce the discovery of the 244-foot bulk carrier Arlington in over 600 feet of water around 35 miles north of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. An investigation, and much speculation followed the sinking of the Arlington and the odd behavior of its master. Why did he go down with his ship…when he easily could have been saved like the rest of his crew? The fact is no one will ever know the answer. Reports indicate that he was near the pilothouse of his ship and waved at the Collingwood minutes before his ship went to the deep, 650-feet to the bottom of Lake Superior.
The Granny Grommets, Leah Rustomjee (Australia) 9 min
As young girls they missed out on the “Surfing Generation,” but it’s never too late, and this enthusiastic pod recently grabbed their boards and took to the waves, where they found a wonderful camaraderie - and horizontal surfing that’s easier on the legs.
Ripples of Plastic, Chris Langer (USA) 45 min *
Embark on an eye-opening journey through the unseen impacts of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes region. Guided by Dr. Sherri Mason and other regional voices, witness the vast extent of contamination pathways, effects of microplastics, and the unexpected toll on human health. Beyond individual action, the film inspires a collective movement for transformative progress toward a plastic-free future.
Stay after for a live discussion!
*Filmmaker or representative expected for Q&A
Date & Time
Fri, Jan 24, 2025 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Venue Details
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
500 West Fletcher Street Alpena, Michigan 49707
Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Established in 2010 by local community leaders, the Friends of TBNMS is a nonprofit 501(c)3. Its founders envisioned the significant opportunity the sanctuary offered for protecting our Great Lakes and their rich maritime history, hands-on educational experiences for area students, and local economic development. Today, that vision has become a reality with the Friends of TBNMS sharing a close working relationship with the sanctuary staff, playing a critical role in funding the sanctuary’s education programs, community outreach efforts, unique museum experiences, and research.
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