BLUE Ocean Film Festival, held in Monterey, California, just announced winners of its 2010 awards for top cinematic works and ocean conservation. BLUE is a one-of-a-kind film industry and community event bringing together films, filmmakers and leaders in ocean research and conservation.

Best of Festival award went to “Bag It!” by Reel Thing, which won in the category of Ocean Issues and Conservation. The film profiles a self-proclaimed “average guy” who undertakes a global pilgrimage to explore our plastic world and understand our addiction to the ‘supposedly’ disposable items.

Plastic pollution was a frequent topic of discussion at the festival this year. Plastic Pollution Coalition co-founder Daniella Dimitrova Russo chaired a panel on plastic pollution, which was so popular that a repeat screening and panel has already been requested in other communities. Plastic Pollution Coalition Dianna Cohen spoke about the role of Art in Environmental education, describing her work with children to raise awareness about ocean health. Sylvia Eare, Fabien Cousteau, Anna Cummins and other ocean heroes also mentioned plastic pollution in their communications.