Program Type:
FilmsProgram Description
Event Details
The 2026 Blue Water Film Festival is proud to present “Blue Water Summit – Eco Storytelling“, a two-days event with panels and workshops such as Producing Short Content for Social Change, Sustainability: Best Practices in Production Workflow, Filming for Eco Impact, and more. Reserve your spot now.
Summit Schedule
10:00am
WELCOME REMARKS
Greg Reitman, Founder, Blue Water Institute
10:05am
SUSTAINABILITY: BEST PRACTICES IN PRODUCTION WORKFLOW
Moderator: Barbara Marshall (HP), Secretary, Blue Water Institute
Speakers:
- Sasha Fairhead, Producer, Kuleana
- Brian Nitzkin, Orbital Studios
- Andi Hess, Producer, Scars of Growth
- Monika Grassl, Filmmaker, Scars of Growth
How can film productions operate efficiently while minimizing environmental impact? This conversation examines practical strategies for embedding sustainability into every phase of production—from planning through wrap—without increasing costs. Panelists share best practices for reducing waste, conserving resources, and maintaining environmental responsibility while staying on budget.
11:15am
PRODUCTION: THE CHALLENGES OF SHOOTING IN NATURE
Moderator: Jeffrey Lehmann, Producer
Speakers:
- Elliott Kennerson, Love Birds
- Nathan Dappen, Human Footprint: Damned If You Don’t
- Ines Reinisch, Salt & Water
Filming in natural environments offers extraordinary visual rewards—but also presents complex logistical, technical, and ethical challenges. This panel explores what it takes to produce films in remote, unpredictable, and often fragile ecosystems, addressing extreme weather, access limitations, safety concerns, sustainability, and environmental impact. Filmmakers share real-world experiences and best practices for working responsibly in nature while honoring the landscapes and communities they document.
12:30pm
FIRESIDE CHAT WITH TAJ MAHAL
Moderator: Greg Reitman (Founder, Blue Water Institute)
Speaker: Taj Mahal (Legendary Blues Musician)
Artists across disciplines are increasingly using their voices, platforms, and creative work to inspire social and environmental change. This panel brings together musicians, athletes, actors, and visual artists to explore how storytelling, social media, and public influence can be leveraged for advocacy. Panelists share insights into using name recognition responsibly, engaging audiences authentically, and translating visibility into meaningful impact.
1:45pm
FILMING FOR ECO IMPACT
Moderator: Barbara Marshall (HP), Secretary, Blue Water Institute
Speakers:
- James Pople, House of Fish
- Linda Osusky, Scars of Growth
- Georgia Scott, Kuleana
- Eladio Arvelo, Wealth Untold
Blue Water Film Festival proudly showcases impactful films from these filmmakers addressing urgent ecological challenges. Professor Eric Pierson, Ph.D. leads an insightful discussion on crafting films that explore issues ranging from open-pit mining and exploitative manufacturing to environmental traditions and ancestral knowledge—demonstrating how storytelling can drive awareness and action.
3:00pm
AN INSIDER'S VIEW INTO THE WORLD OF ANIMATION
Moderator: Jean Thoren, Publisher, Animation Magazine & Blue Water Institute Board Member
Speakers:
- Terry Thoren, Klasky Csupo
- Jason Reisig, Head of USC Animation, Director, Shrek
- Greg Nix (The Last Whale Singer)
This panel offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative, technical, and business forces shaping today’s animation industry. Featuring veteran studio leaders, award-winning directors, and emerging voices, the conversation explores how animated storytelling is evolving across feature films, television, independent projects, and socially impactful work. Panelists will share insights into creative development, production pipelines, education and talent pathways, and how animation can be a powerful tool for environmental and social storytelling. Attendees will gain a rare insider perspective on where the animation world is headed and how creators can navigate and contribute to its future.