Film Festival
2025 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR SOCIETY FILM FESTIVAL
Tuesday July 8 at 6:30pm and Friday, July 12 at 8:45 PM
Non-Commercial Films
Made by individuals largely associated with animal behavior from a teaching, research, and/or applied perspective.
Tuesday July 8 at 6:30pm in the Chespeake A room - Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor
The Intriguing Life of a Parasitic Bird Directed by: Marcelo Viñas
(La Intrigante Vida de un Ave Parásita)
~630pm – runtime 15 minutes
This documentary explores the work of a group of scientists led by Dr. Vanina Fiorini, whose research allows us to gain deep insight into the reproductive behavior of the Shiny Cowbird, which is based on a complex and astonishing brood parasitism strategy.
Lobería, the Island of Sea Lions Directed by: Rémi Demarthon
~650pm – runtime 30 minutes
For more than 20 years, a colony of Galapagos sea lions off the Pacific Coast has been sharing the tiny islet of Caamaño with scientists. On this isolated rock, with no natural shade or fresh water, PhD student Alexandra Childs and her assistants follow the intimate lives of each individual as they attempt to unravel the many mysteries surrounding this unique species.
Commercial Films
Made by professional photographers and filmmakers.
Friday July 11 at 8:45pm in the Constellation A/B room - Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor
Secret Ways of a Whale Shark Directed by: Peter Lamberti
~845pm – runtime 50 minutes
This documentary is an unprecedented ocean odyssey, following in the wake of the largest and perhaps most enigmatic fish in the sea. From the crystal-clear waters of the Seychelles to the frigid, rough South Atlantic seas where great whites roam, join an incredible journey following the world's largest fish as she traverses 6000km of ocean in search of plankton blooms. This documentary tracks the migration of a majestic whale shark, marveling at the challenges she faces and showcasing the stunning and elusive creatures she encounters on the way.
The Strongest on the Savannah Directed by: Carlos Perez Romero
~940pm – runtime 50 minutes
The ocean surrounding the island has made the hippos of Orango Grande truly exceptional. Just over a hundred individuals inhabit this pristine territory, isolated from their continental relatives. Adapted to their small environment, the Orango hippos live in ponds and lagoons or roam through forests, mangroves, and savannas in search of food. But what makes this community unique is that these large mammals travel between different areas of the island by crossing the ocean - an astonishing behavior that has earned them the title of “marine hippos.” It is a paradise of extraordinary biodiversity, where the strongest reign: the marine hippos of Orango.
Animal Behavior Film Committee:
Chair: Barbara Clucas – Judges: Natalie Roberts, Rosario Jacoby, Amanda Puitiza, Natalia Aponte, and Julie Young
Interested in joining the committee? Please email [email protected]