The Beneath The Waves Film Festival is accepting submissions for the 2013 event. Now in it’s fourth year, Beneath the Waves encourages dialogue and networking between documentary filmmakers, conservationists, and scientists. As in past years, the film festival is associated with the Benthic Ecology conference, which is taking place March 20th-23rd in Savannah, Georgia. There will also be a series of mini-festivals touring around the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and all over the United States.

Beneath The Waves accepts submissions from filmmakers of any skill level, and both amateurs and students are encouraged to apply. Though underwater footage is not explicitly required, films must be about an ocean issue, and must be less than 15 minutes (under 10 minutes is preferable). Films can be submitted electronically or by mail, and are due February 1st. For more information about guidelines for submissions, click here.

I’ve been proud to be a part of the growing Beneath the Waves family since the beginning, first as a student filmmaker, and now as festival staff. I hope you’ll consider joining us! For more information about the festival, please visit BeneathTheWavesFilmFest.org.