Lights, Camera, Lake Ontario: Oswego Hosts Film Festival

OSWEGO, N.Y. — A new film festival is making waves in Oswego, bringing global stories to the shores of Lake Ontario while spotlighting local conservation efforts.

More than 150 people gathered at the Lake Ontario Conference Center for the first-ever Lake Ontario Film Festival, an event inspired by similar festivals hosted by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena Michigan, for more than a decade.

The festival featured over 10 films from around the world, all centered on marine environments, exploration, and conservation.

Organizers say the films are meant to do more than entertain—they’re designed to spark conversation.

“We are showing a lot of really great ones,” said Cait Clemmer, one of the event organizers. “One that is near and dear to my heart is The Deep Dive, which is based on the MATE ROV competition that happens in Thunder Bay. It’s a really cool story blending educators and communities coming together.”

While the films span oceans and continents, organizers say their message resonates locally.

Strong Turnout for a First-Year Event

Organizers say they were encouraged by the turnout.

“We are just excited that people are here wanting to support the sanctuary,” Clemmer said.

Stephanie Ganeulla, a resource protection coordinator, added that the festival drew a large crowd and featured a wide range of films throughout the evening.

Highlighting the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary

The event also aimed to raise awareness about the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, which was officially designated in 2024.

The sanctuary protects approximately 1,722 square miles of Lake Ontario and is the third sanctuary established in the Great Lakes.

These protected areas help preserve shipwrecks, archaeological sites, and wildlife, while also sharing that information with the public.

“Really, the goal for this specific sanctuary is shipwreck heritage and resource protection,” Clemmer said. “So many partners worked with the federal government to protect this special place.”

Looking Ahead

Efforts to expand marine protection in the Great Lakes are ongoing. Lake Erie is currently in the process of becoming a marine sanctuary, though the designation process can take years.

Right now, Lake Erie is in the second phase, which includes reviewing public comments and drafting official documents.