Are you interested in exploring the world of the Oceans and Great Lakes? Then you are definitely going to want to attend the 13th Annual Thunder Bay International Film Festival!

This wonderful film festival takes place from January 22nd through January 26th and is possible thanks to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and their partnership with International Ocean Film Festival. They will be showcasing over 50 films throughout the weekend! Along with the films you can also enjoy social events, educational activities and opportunities to meet the film makers.

If you are not able to make it to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center (500 W Fletcher St) in Alpena to watch the films then you still have two other options! You can also watch them at the Rogers Theater in Rogers City on Wednesday January 22nd or the Alcona County Library in Harrisville on Thursday January 23rd. For ticket prices and more information on the schedule click here!

Not only will there be ocean and Great Lakes related films, but there is also the Great Lakes Gala: Reception & Films at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center on Friday January 24th from 6-10pm. Tickets for the gala are 30 dollars which includes delicious food and wonderful films! While there you can purchase drink tickets inside from the Sanctuary Gift Store. Spend the evening discussing the films with film makers and fellow ocean and Great Lakes enthusiasts! To purchase tickets and find more information click here.

The Student Shorts Film Competiton is a free part of the film festival that allows students to showcase their Great Lakes vision on the big screen! The film must be 3 minutes or less and is open to students in 6th-12th grade and the selected films will be shown Saturday January 23rd at 3pm. For more information on how to submit your short film click here.

Before the 13th Annual Thunder Bay International Film Festival starts, head over to PIF Cider on January 17th at 6pm to kick off the event with their Launch Party for the film festival! Enjoy live music, their brand-new Sanctuary Cider, 20% off film festival tickets, exclusive trailers of films being showcased at the festival and a Thunder Pass Giveaway which gives you access to all Thunder Bay International Film Festival Events!

Thunder Bay International Film Festival is an annual fundraiser for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which encompasses 4,300 square miles in Lake Huron. Designated in 2000, the Sanctuary exists to preserve our Great Lakes maritime heritage, including a significant collection of historic shipwrecks. Through innovative, accessible educational programs and community outreach, the Sanctuary strives to protect our Great Lakes for future generations.