From left to right: Charlie Kinder, Jeremy Irons, Maguy Maccario Doyle, Debbie Kinder (Photo courtesy: Dave Walker)
PETERSBURG, FL, November 10, 2014 – This past Saturday, the Monaco Government Tourist Office and the Consulate General of Monaco in New York, together with BLUE Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit (BLUE), hosted a private “Blue Tie” reception at the Dalí Museum, setting the stage for next year’s event in Monaco.
Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, who was in town to screen his ocean pollution documentary Trashed, stopped by to meet with several dignitaries, including the Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco to the United States, who also serves as Vice-President for the US branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Maguy Maccario Doyle, and Debbie Kinder, co-founder of BLUE.
Several representatives of the Principality were on hand to share their insights with the guests, including Olivier Dufourneaud, Ocean Policy Director at Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum and Tomas Abreu, Honorary Vice Consul of Monaco in Miami.
The next edition of BLUE will take place in Monaco, November 7-9, 2015, in partnership with The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum. HSH Prince Albert II has emphasized both the need to shift global consciousness and the power of BLUE to help accomplish this.
“We believe this strategic collaboration has great potential to keep raising awareness worldwide about the need for ocean stewardship. The power of film can help carry this very meaningful message around the globe to help win over hearts and minds. We are very grateful to HSH Prince Albert II and the Principality of Monaco for understanding and supporting BLUE’s mission,” Debbie Kinder said. She added: “BLUE couldn’t exist without the tremendous support of our thousands of volunteers around the globe, and of course our gracious sponsors.”
The event alternates between St. Petersburg, Fla and Monaco. David Downing, Interim Director of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Cindy Hoddeson, Deputy Director of the Monaco Government Tourist Office in New York, were also present Saturday night and will ensure a smooth transition to Monaco as host country of BLUE 2015.
The “BLUE Tie” event coincided with the opening of a key exhibit dedicated to Picasso at The Dalí Museum – two artists who happened to have spent quite some time on the French Riviera and Monaco. “Picasso/Dalí, Dali/Dalí” features works from more than 20 international museums and collectors worldwide. There are more than 90 works in all, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and archival documents, including postcards written by Dalí to Picasso.
BLUE is a one-of-a-kind film industry and community event bringing together films, filmmakers and leaders in ocean research and conservancy.
BLUE sponsors include: Rolex, Disney Nature, Google, City of St. Petersburg, St Petersburg Clearwater, Bill Edwards Presents, Bright House Networks, Glass is Life, Muvico Theaters, Tampa Bay Times, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, HealthCareIQ, Poynter Institute, Make a Difference Media, Earth Advertising, Paradise, and many others.
For information visit: www.blueoceanfilmfestival.org.
Tags: Blue Ocean Film Festival