Navigating Underwater Volcanoes: Exploring 9° North - This film documents a scientific expedition to the underwater volcanic system at 9° North on the East Pacific Rise, where researchers navigate extreme conditions to study one of Earth's most dynamic and unexplored geological environments. Directed by Nicole Nikolova, Dena Seidel (00:07:34)
Engineering Exploration at 9° North - This film depicts the intricate daily operation of launching the Alvin submersible from the National Science Foundation's Atlantis research vessel, showcasing how dozens of highly specialized engineers and crew members work together to enable scientists to conduct valuable research at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Created from 400 hours of footage captured during a 2022-23 NSF-funded expedition, the film combines perspectives from multiple locations to demonstrate the collaborative nature and remarkable scale of deep-sea scientific exploration. Directed by Colby Koutrakos, Dena Seidel (00:07:00) World Premiere
Gardener of the Galaxy - World renowned astrophysicist and planetary scientist Dr. Edward Guinan reflects on his life, work, and involvement in the “Red Thumbs Mars Garden Project” at Villanova University, which experiments with growing sustainable food sources on Mars. Directed by Nick Natalicchio (00:10:43) New Jersey Premiere
The Most Biodiverse Place in America - Set in the sun-soaked canyons and coastlines of San Diego County, The Most Biodiverse Place in America is an intimate portrait of place, purpose, and generational connection. Told through the lens of John Fiske — a passionate naturalist and educator — and his sons Johnny and Charlie, the film explores the richest ecological county in the United States. As father and sons move through chaparral, oak woodlands, snowy mountains, desert expanse, and coastal bluffs, they share a bond rooted in curiosity and care for the land. John’s decades of work protecting habitats and species comes alive in his mentorship of Johnny and Charlie, who see the future of conservation through their father’s eyes. Together, they reflect on what it means to grow up grounded — in a landscape teeming with life and in a legacy built on stewardship. A story of biodiversity, family, and the fragile beauty of what surrounds us — if we choose to see it. Directed by John Fiske (00:45:00) New Jersey Premiere
Where the Waters Meet on the Breathing Shore - "Where the Waters Meet on the Breathing Shore" is a 25 minute science documentary exploring the Mullica River-Great Bay Estuary in Tuckerton, NJ, where freshwater rivers meet the saltwater sea. Graduate student and science storyteller Shaniya Utamidata joins marine scientists at Rutgers University Marine Field Station, Dr. Thomas Grothues, Dr. Ken Able, Dr. Oscar Schofield, and Lisa Auermuller to reveal how these “breathing shores” sustain biodiversity, filter water, and buffer communities against climate change. Blending scientific insight with reflection, the film transforms field research into a personal journey of discovery. Using a Science-in-Action Storytelling Model, we invite young audiences, especially students from underrepresented backgrounds, to see themselves in the story of science. In connecting the marshes of New Jersey to the coasts of Indonesia, "Where the Waters Meet on the Breathing Shore" shows how one estuary’s story belongs to the entire planet. Directed by Shaniya Utamidata, Dena Seidel (00:26:30) World Premiere
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