From Coast to Coast: BCEFF Brings Environmental Storytelling to Ocean Week Canada 2026

OWC 2026

In late May and early June 2026, the British Columbia Environmental Film Festival (BCEFF) partnered with the Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration (COLC), Ocean Week Canada, Canadian Geographic, and an incredible network of local organizations to deliver a national tour celebrating the power of environmental storytelling.

Over eight days, BCEFF Co-Founders Dr. Jennifer Jackson and Pezhman Hadavi travelled across Canada, presenting award-winning environmental films, facilitating public discussions, and connecting filmmakers, scientists, conservation organizations, educators, and local communities through the universal language of film.

Why This Tour Matters

At BCEFF, we believe science becomes more meaningful when people can experience it emotionally.

Dr. Jennifer Jackson brings decades of scientific expertise as a PhD oceanographer, while filmmaker Pezhman Hadavi brings the perspective of visual storytelling. Together, they founded BCEFF to bridge science and cinema—making complex environmental issues accessible, engaging, and inspiring for everyone.

Ocean Week Canada perfectly reflects this mission.

The National Tour

Sidney, British Columbia

May 31 – Star Cinema

Presented with the Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration.

Supported by Reel Green™ at Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia.

Three films introduced audiences to wildlife, restoration, and our relationship with oceans, followed by an engaging community discussion.

Ottawa, Ontario

June 4 – Canadian Geographic | 50 Sussex

One of the highlights of the tour.

Hosted alongside Canadian Geographic, the event brought together scientists, filmmakers, environmental professionals, and members of the public.

Special guest filmmaker Matt Lemay joined the discussion following the screening.

Toronto, Ontario

June 5 – Fjällräven

Co-hosted with The Explorers Club.

The Toronto event featured the premiere of The Rewilders, bringing together explorers, conservationists, filmmakers, and outdoor enthusiasts for an inspiring evening about restoring ecosystems worldwide.

Iona, Nova Scotia

June 7 – Àros na Mara Ocean Week

The tour concluded with a community breakfast celebration overlooking Bras d’Or Lake / Pitu’paq.

Working alongside Àros na Mara, the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region Association, and UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, the event demonstrated how environmental storytelling can strengthen local communities while connecting them to national conversations.

Featured Films

• Penguins of the Point

• Echoes of the Ice

• The Rewilders

Each film offered a different perspective on oceans, wildlife, Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and ecological restoration.

More Than Film

Throughout the tour, conversations extended well beyond the theatre.

New collaborations emerged.

Ideas developed during previous BCEFF Science Filmmaking Workshops continued to evolve—including discussions around community-led conservation initiatives and innovative environmental education projects.

This is exactly what BCEFF hopes to achieve: bringing together people who might never otherwise meet and creating space for new partnerships and lasting impact.

Thank You

This tour would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our incredible partners.

Thank you to:

• Ocean Week Canada

• Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration (COLC)

• Canadian Geographic

• Reel Green™ at Creative BC

• The Explorers Club

• Fjällräven

• Àros na Mara

• Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region Association

• UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme

• Our filmmakers, volunteers, moderators, speakers, photographers, and audiences across Canada.

Looking Ahead

Ocean Week Canada 2026 marks an exciting milestone for BCEFF.

It demonstrates how environmental film can inspire dialogue, connect communities, and strengthen relationships between science and society.

As BCEFF continues preparing for the 2026 festival at the University of British Columbia this November, expanding our online festival, and developing the Africa Environmental Film Festival (AEFF), we look forward to building on the partnerships and friendships formed during this remarkable national journey.

Because every meaningful change begins with a story.