SHARKFEST 2010
Sharkfest is a celebration for shark people comprising of three days of shark diving and a film festival just about sharks. This isn't Sundance so leave the tuxedos at home. Movies will be screened on a digital projector in the lodge or outdoors on the back deck of the dive center (weather permitting).
Sharkfest is a long overdue opportunity for all shark fans and shark divers to get together, dive and talk about sharks. If you're a shark junkie you belong at Sharkfest.
Where and when is Sharkfest?
Sharkfest will be hosted by Olympus Dive Center in Moorhead City, North Carolina from the 6th to the 8th of August 2010.
Olympus Diver Center is Sandtiger Central. Known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, the treacherous coastline of the Outer Banks is peppered with wrecks that are home to North America's largest population of sandtiger sharks.
Sharkfest Itinerary:
THURSDAY NIGHT:
Arrive in Moorhead City and take over the lodge.
FRIDAY MORNING: Head out shark diving. We will have a dedicated dive boat that will take us to the sharkiest wrecks in the area. Actual sites will be determined on the day based on weather and reports of shark action from previous days.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Head out for dinner and return to the lodge to screen shark films.
SATURDAY MORNING: Second day of shark diving. Destinations determined in the same way. If the sharks are really thick on one wreck we may spend the entire weekend there. It isn't about the wrecks, this is our chance to get up close and personal with some of the most charismatic sharks in the ocean.
SATURDAY NIGHT: The big movie screening night and cook out on the back deck of Olympus Dive Center. This is our party. We deserve it and we're going to have fun.
SUNDAY MORNING: Last day of shark diving.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Dinner and announcement of winners for Sharkfest film entries.
What does Sharkfest Include?
-Three days of diving (6-8th) weather dependent. All dive equipment rentals and nitrox fills (if desired) are extra.
-Four nights accommodation in Olympus Dive Center's lodge which is a two minute walk from the boat dock. This is dormitory style accommodation - 4 bunks to a room. Its not the Ritz but its clean and tidy and the atmosphere is fun.
-Access to all movie screenings and endless popcorn.
-Cook out dinner on Saturday night including some 'refreshements' while they last.
-A Sharkfest T-shirt.
Space on the Boat and Extra Sharkfest Attendees:
There are 16 places for divers on our boat. Depending on popularity, we may spill over onto Olympus' larger dive boat which has a bigger capacity. More on this once we get an idea of numbers.
Anyone who can't make it for diving but wants to show up and celebrate Sharkfest with us in the evenings is very welcome. The more shark people we have the more fun it will be. There will be a small fee to cover costs for non diving attendees that want to join us for the cookout festivities.
Right now its a big numbers game so please respond asap so that we can make this the best weekend possible.
To book your spot or for information on fees please email elasmodiver@gmail.com
Sharkfest Film Submisions and Screenings:
Film makers are welcome to submit short films or full length documentaries. Screening times are limited so depending on the amount of submissions some films may be rejected but this is a very new festival within a very small niche so there may not be many entries. We'll make it fun either way.
We hope Sharkfest will grow into a major event on everyone's calendars but right now Sharkfest is an informal celebration of sharks including diving, screenings and good times. Screenings may be a little chaotic so please understand that Sharkfest is not a serious event yet. However, there will be prizes!
The crowd favorite will be the first recipient of the soon to be coveted 'ELASMO' which we are sure will take centre stage in your awards cabinet casting a shadow on your Oscars and other trivial accolades. The winner will also receive a gift certificate for $150 complements of H2O Photo Pros.
Second place will receive a $50 gift certificate.
All entrants will receive Elasmo t-shirts and possibly more goodies if we can interest some other diving sponsors.
All film submissions will be reviewed on Elasmodiver after the event.
Submission Rules:
All films must be about sharks. They can revolve around shark conservation, shark diving, shark biology and behavior or any other sharky topics. Fictional shark movies are also welcome. The theme 'sharks are bloodthirsty monsters' is highly discouraged. Pro-shark-fishing films will be rejected immediately.
Submission is $25 and is open to professional film makers and amateurs alike.
Film Makers are not required to be in attendance but it is encouraged.
For an entry form please email: elasmodiver@gmail.com
