The IOFF screens 30 films from around the globe; ranging from shorts to feature-length work and live-action documentaries. Films focus on fascinating ocean animals and plants and amazing marine environments; such as belugas, bioluminescent life, giant squids, lobsters, penguins, puffins, salmon, sea gulls, sea otters, sharks, whales, arctic and Antarctica regions, coral reefs, kelp forests, and sea shells.

Special programs investigate climate resilience, coastal communities and cultures, coral reef restoration, marine eco-issues, ocean swimming, plastic pollution, surfing, sustainable fisheries, and more. Visit ocean worlds in Antarctica, Argentina, the California Channel Islands, Fiji, Greece, Indonesia (Bali),Jamaica, Japan, Monterey Bay (CA), Mozambique, New Zealand, the North Atlantic, Norway, Puerto Rico, Portugal (Madeira), Russia, San Francisco Bay, and the U.K.

IOFF 2026 kicks off with two film programs (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and the Opening Night Party (9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) on Friday, April 10, 2026. The party features appetizers, beer, and wine and includes both film screenings (the All-Access Three-Day Pass, $450). The film screening programs only are $20 to $25 per person.

Individual tickets to single film-screening programs cost $20 to $25. 2026 day passes provide access to all the film screenings and programs at the Cowell on specific weekend days and cost from $40 to $200 depending on age and day(s) selected.

The $450 All-Access Three-Day Pass offers access to the Friday Opening Night Party (Cowell Theater, 9:00 p.m.); April 10 to 12 film programs at the Cowell at FMCAC in San Francisco; Panel Discussions in BATS Improv’s Bayfront Theatre, (Building B, Third Floor, FMCAC); the Saturday night Surf Party (with hosted beer and wine); and virtual screenings from April 14 to 26, 2026.

The Weekend Pass ($350) is a great deal with access to in-person Cowell Theater events on April 10 to 12, 2026; Panel Discussions; and the Saturday Night Surf Party. The All-Day Saturday Pass ($200) offers access to in-person Cowell Theater events on Saturday, April 11, 2026; Panel Discussions; and the Saturday Night Surf Party.