New England Aquarium to host 2022 Scout Film Festival

Event held October 28-30 features keynote speakers including actor Ethan Hawke, filmmaker Colin Trevorrow, and National Geographic’s Whitney Johnson

BOSTON, MA (Sept. 29, 2022) – The New England Aquarium is hosting the sixth annual Scout Film Festival October 28–30, 2022. The international film festival supports, empowers, and connects emerging filmmakers and visual storytellers worldwide aged 24 and under working in short film, photography, and innovation. The event offers screenings, keynote speakers, and educational programming with leading industry professionals, creators, and entrepreneurs on topics ranging from environmental justice to mental health.

Central to the Aquarium’s mission is its work to inspire others to act on behalf of the ocean. This partnership is a unique opportunity for youth and audiences worldwide to expand their ways of thinking through film, visual storytelling, immersive experiences, education, and innovation.

“Nurturing the next generation of ocean advocates is a key priority for the New England Aquarium,” said Vikki Spruill, President and CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with Scout Film Festival to celebrate and encourage young storytellers to help protect our blue planet.”

Programming includes a showcase of this year’s best emerging short films and a catalog of talks and workshops. All programs held at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre are free of charge but registration is required for each session. Speakers include:

• Anastasia Vlasova (Friday, Oct. 28 at 1:45 p.m.) – During this intimate keynote, Anastasia Vlasova shares her personal journey and the impact social media had on her mental health and physical wellbeing. She describes the tools and resources she used to overcome her psychological addiction which began the moment she deleted her Instagram account. This presentation aims to raise awareness of the consequences of social media addiction among young people and highlight the positive role digital wellness plays in our creativity. *The keynote will be followed by the Boston premiere screening of the film Our Turn To Talk, a panel discussion, and Q&A. After the program, attendees are invites to participate in a quiet, private walk-through of the New England Aquarium.
• Whitney C. Johnson (Friday, Oct. 28 at 6:00 p.m.) – Whitney C. Johnson, Director of Visuals and Immersive Experiences at National Geographic, walks us through how her team adapted to produce the Year In Pictures, a first for the 133-year-old National Geographic magazine. Johnson also led the effort to expand storytelling methods in the midst of unexpected production challenges and physical limitations. “By embracing new ways to create and distribute our stories,” she says, “it was possible to share these empowering moments with millions of people.” This program is also part of the New England Aquarium Lecture Series and is presented free of charge thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.
• Ryan and Ethan Hawke (Saturday, Oct. 29 at 4:00 p.m.) – Producer Ryan Hawke and actor Ethan Hawke join theatre-goers via Zoom to present an open conversation about the commonalities and differences working in diverse media, the importance and nuance of collaboration, and their insights on how to follow your heart. The keynote will be followed by a Q&A.
• DeWanda Wise and Colin Trevorrow (Saturday, Oct. 29 at 5:00 p.m.) – DeWanda Wise and Colin Trevorrow of Jurassic World Dominion fame hold a “fireside chat” about their experiences in the film industry and what they are each most passionate about. The keynote will be followed by a Q&A.

“We at Scout are honored to partner with the New England Aquarium in an effort to celebrate the power of visual storytelling, explore new ways of thinking and present authentic experiences that transcend the parameters of a screen,” said Scout Film Festival Founder Anna Colavito and Co-Founder Adriana Teresa Letorney.

Scout Film Festival is possible with the support of partners and filmmakers; the host and event sponsors, the New England Aquarium, The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston Seaport Studios, and District Hall Boston; and founding sponsors Visura.co and Barr Law Group.

ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

The New England Aquarium is a global leader in marine science and conservation, working to safeguard ocean animals and habitats. With more than one million visitors a year, the Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston and a major public education resource for the region. The Aquarium’s research and rescue efforts build on the institution’s 50-year legacy of protecting the blue planet and advocating for a vital and vibrant ocean. In the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, scientists conduct applied marine research that informs ocean management, policy, and industry practices, and contributes to the innovation of new technologies. Through its Sea Turtle Rescue Program, the Aquarium helps protect critically endangered and threatened sea turtle populations through rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts.

ABOUT SCOUT FILM FESTIVAL

Scout Film Festival (Scout) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports, empowers, and connects emerging filmmakers and visual storytellers worldwide aged 24 and under working in short film, photography, and innovation.

Scout’s community consists of more than 7000 filmmakers from 109 countries.

Founded in 2014—Scout produces an annual international film festival offering screenings, keynote speakers, talks, and educational programming with leading industry professionals, creators, entrepreneurs, and educators. 

The Educational Program, which runs throughout the year, provides support, resources, and networking opportunities through grants, mentorships, and seminars. The Emerging Filmmakers Grants are sponsored by Jurassic World’s Writer and Director, Colin Trevorrow. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Bechtold Snyder – psnyder@neaq.org, 617-686-5068