Dear Friends,

Submissions are open for the 2026 Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award, which honors filmmakers whose work highlights ocean heroes around the world.

The award is part of the MY HERO International Film Festival and is presented each year on June 8th - World Oceans Day.

Deadline = May 1, 2026



Sylvia Earle - photo credit: Mission Blue - Kip Evans

Named for Dr. Sylvia Earle, world-renowned oceanographer, author and explorer who led more than 70 expeditions, the award comes with up to $2,000 in Cash Prizes sponsored by MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation's One World One Ocean Campaign.

“Sylvia Earle is our ocean hero, and we hope this award inspires aspiring filmmakers to shine a spotlight on other dedicated people from all walks of life who are working tirelessly on behalf of our oceans.“


— IMAX filmmaker and Academy Award nominee.Greg MacGillivray

 

STUDENTS SUBMIT FOR FREE

(email media@myheroproject.org for a waiver code)

View Past Winning Films

Submit your film today!

Sincerely,

The MY HERO Team

Learn about World Oceans Day

Click here for the World Oceans Day Lesson Plan

The MY HERO International Film Festival is part of The MY HERO Project, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to sharing stories, art, music, and short films about everyday heroes throughout the world. Since 1995, MY HERO has hosted the world's largest archive of hero stories, and MY HERO resources are used in classrooms and after-school programs in 197 countries. Learn more at myhero.com.

MacGillivray Freeman Films, makers of IMAX films since the 1970s, launched its One World One Ocean campaign to raise awareness of ocean degradation, to inspire people by showing the ocean in its healthy, wild state, and to spark a global movement to protect the world's seas. Each year, the organization sponsors the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award.

Check out MY HERO's free Media Arts Resources to help students create their own inspiring films.

Shop the MY HERO Store.

Help support MY HERO's global learning community.

We need and value your support for The MY HERO Project so we can continue to provide our free educational resources to millions of teachers, students and families around the world.