WORLD WAR II: THE SHIPWRECKS OF TRUK LAGOON – dir. Christian Wehrle

(FINALIST)

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Original Film Title: WORLD WAR II: THE SHIPWRECKS OF TRUK LAGOON

Director’s Name: Christian Wehrle

Writer’s Name: Christian Wehrle

Producer: Christian Wehrle

Country of Origin: Germany

Country of Filming: Micronesia, Federated States of

Language: English

Runtime: 45 minutes

Film Description:

“World War II: The Shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon” is a 45-minute documentary that dives into the haunting underwater world of Chuuk Lagoon, a site of immense historical and ecological significance. Once a formidable fortress for the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II, this tranquil Pacific lagoon now cradles a ghostly fleet of sunken warships and aircraft, remnants of the devastating Operation Hailstone. Through a blend of captivating underwater footage, historical insights, and expert interviews, the documentary unveils the stories of these submerged relics. It explores the ecological transformation of these wrecks into vibrant marine habitats, while also pondering the ethical considerations of diving in this underwater graveyard. The film invites viewers on a reflective journey, intertwining the lagoon’s war-torn past with its present status as a unique sanctuary for marine life, leaving a lasting impression of the intricate ties between history, humanity, and the natural world.

Balkancisco – dir. Tugrul Sarikaya

(HONORABLE MENTION)

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Original Film Title: Balkancisco

Director’s Name: Tugrul Sarikaya

Writer’s Name: Tugrul Sarikaya, Duygu Gün

Producer: Duygu Gün, Tugrul Sarikaya, Ozgen Goksoy

Country of Origin: Turkey

Country of Filming: Turkey, United States

Language: English, Turkish

Runtime: 1 hour 5 minutes

Film Description:

When a young Turkish immigrant arrives in San Francisco, she finds herself inside an evergrowing Balkan music scene and sets on a quest to explore how Bay Area has become such a hotbed for Balkan music, how it influenced the local music scene and how music travels across borders.