TBIFF is Back!
The Thunder Bay International Film Festival Comes to Northeast Michigan.
Published: Sunday, January 18, 2026 9:00 am
For boaters who love the waters of the Great Lakes and beyond, The Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is bringing the world of cinema to northeast Michigan. From January 21 through 25, residents and visitors will be treated to some of the most impressive ocean and Great Lakes films from around the world during the 14th annual Thunder Bay International Film Festival (TBIFF).
Hosted in partnership with the long-running International Ocean Film Festival, TBIFF will include films about the Great Lakes, shark conservation, deep sea exploration, surfing, preserving first nation heritage, and much more. “Whether you’re looking to spend just a few hours with us, or the entire five days of the festival, there really is something for everyone,” says Jeff Gray, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent. “With an amazing array of content,” Gray continues, “we really believe audience members will be inspired to protect our special places underwater.”
This year’s festival will show close to 60 films, ranging in length from two-minutes to feature-length. Film screenings are complemented by social events, a filmmakers’ panel, educational activities, and opportunities to meet and network with filmmakers and scientists. “If you’re looking for something educational and entertaining to do in January in northeast Michigan, this is it,” says Film Festival Coordinator Stephanie Gandulla.
Many filmmakers will also be attending the event. "This festival isn’t just a screening opportunity–it’s a catalyst for transformation,” says Kyle Maddux-Lawrence, the filmmaker for Sanctuary: Beneath the Surface and The Weight: Coming Up for Air which will both play in Alpena on Friday night during the Great Lakes Gala. “These films aren’t just entertainment, they create lasting inspiration and impact. I have been coming to this festival for years and it is a place where storytelling becomes a force for environmental stewardship and community. It is the perfect place to premiere each of my new films.”
The highly-anticipated film Dinosaur Fish will also be shared at the festival and tells the story of conservationists in Saginaw Bay working to bring the iconic Lake Sturgeon back to the area. “We are beyond excited to return to the Thunder Bay International Film Festival with our film Dinosaur Fish,” says filmmaker Jason Whalen. “The project was created in collaboration with The Conservation Fund and a coalition of partners and was filmed in and around the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron.”
Leading up to this year’s Thunder Bay International Film Festival, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary education team has been visiting schools across northeast Michigan to bring the aquatic world of cinema to their classrooms. These “Sneak Peeks” are an opportunity to bring independent short films into the classroom and inspire conversations about the ocean and Great Lakes, as well as marine and film careers.
WHEN & WHERE:
Wednesday, January 21, 6PM: Films in Rogers City at Rogers Theater
Thursday, January 22, 6PM: Films in Harrisville at Alcona County Library
Friday, January 23, 6PM: Great Lakes Gala and films in Alpena
Saturday, January 24, 10AM – 5PM: Films, Student Shorts, and Filmmakers’ Panel in Alpena Saturday, January 24, 4PM: Cooking Demo and Panel Discussion:Is fish food or a natural resource? Saturday, January 24, 6PM: Sanctuary Selections Film Competition in Alpena
Sunday, January 25, 11AM – 3PM: Films in Alpena
Tickets are $30 for the Friday Great Lakes Gala and $20 for the Saturday Selections Film Competition. Both events include films, appetizers, and a cash bar. All other film blocks are $10 each. A full five-day Thunder Pass can be purchased for $100 and includes access to all screening and reception events throughout the festival as well as unlimited popcorn and a souvenir movie poster. Visit ThunderBayFriends.org to view detailed schedules and film descriptions. Tickets can also be purchased onsite or at the Sanctuary Store inside the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.
Visit the sanctuary at www.thunderbay.noaa.gov and at www.facebook.com/ThunderBayShipwrecks.
If we can fit this video; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5APDCav-Bok
tags: Boat, Boaters, Boating, cinema, Festival, Film, Great Lakes, impressive, Michigan, Northeast, Thunder Bay International Film Festival
