Alexa Elliott is the creator of Changing Seas, a television series that has taken viewers into coral kingdoms, polar nights, and the far edges of marine discovery. A Fellow of the Explorer’s Club she is the winner of 12 Emmy Awards, a National Academy of Sciences Communication Award, and the Silver Circle Award for a lifetime of achievement. Through her films, she’s given us stories of scientists, explorers, and the ocean itself — stories that remind us that wonder and urgency often swim side by side. If you ever needed proof that film can make us see the ocean — and ourselves — differently, Alexa’s work is a perfect place to start. Join us as we take a dive into her world of oceanic discovery and experiences filming in challenging locations.

Two of her films — Changing Seas: Whales in a Plastic Ocean and California Sea Otters: Life on the Edge are screening as part of the festival on sofafilmfestival.com until October 24 and then as part of our Fringe Series until October 31st.

Anna Roy talks to renowned veterinarian and animal campaigner Dr. Marc Abraham OBE, film director Paul Crompton and film editor Michal Novak about making ‘Dog$spiracy’; A documentary following Marc the Vet (the voice behind Lucy’s Law), as he seeks to stop the cruel puppy mills industry, end puppy smuggling and ban US pet stores from selling puppies. His campaign work takes him to Wales, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC and Westminster. But in amongst the political elite, Marc discovers conspiracies in both Britain and America. We discuss the political obstacles, what the public can do to help pass Victoria’s Law and Paul and Michals' experiences in putting together this eye-opening, not to be missed film.

The film will screen on sofafilmfestival.com in S.O.F.A Tails Category October 1 - 20, 2025.

Mariclare Carey-Jones is a radio presenter for the BBC. She is also an independent film-maker with her own production company. In this episode we discuss the unethical breeding practises that lead to dog breeds such as French Bulldogs having severe illness such as BOAS and spinal problems as her own pup Pierre did plus she spills the behind-the-scenes details on making her other films relating to elephants in Laos and a vegetarian shepherd who breeds sheep for conservation and not the food chain. You can watch ‘Pierre’s Tale’, ‘Saving Gentle Giants’ and ‘The Veggie Shepherd’ between September 19 – 26 via sofafilmfestival.com

‘Portrait Of Pockets’ is an intimate and emotional look at the life of Capuchin monkey Pockets Warhol, a former victim of the illegal pet trade who has raised thousands of dollars through his art to help the sanctuary who rescued him. His muse Charmaine Quinn, film director and editor Brina Romanek and film producer Felicity Justrabo share their journey, both professionally and personally, of creating the documentary and what Pockets means to each of them.

The film will screen on sofafilmfestival.com between August 29 – September 5 and October 1 - 20.

From swimming with Orcas, talking conservation and rescue, being an educator, animal expert, behaviourist and documentary presenter, Ryan Parker gives us an eye opening, behind the scenes, look into the fascinating world of wildlife conservation and the scary realities of the exotic pet trade. Follow his journey and learn what it takes to work within the animal kingdom.

Join Dr. Jes Hooper, founder of The Civet Project, and film director Jack Wootton as they talk us through the reality of Civet Coffee and the making of their film, Civet Coffee: From Rare To Reckless. What are Civets, how are they exploited and what role do tourists play! From Tripadvisor to Harrods, what is the truth behind the sales of this unacceptable civet industry.

Join us for the very first episode of S.O.F.A In The Wild and our very special guests to discuss their music video 'Change', being released for Earth Day on April 22nd, and film 'Connection' both of which inspire us to care about the Environment.

Nova is the extremely talented 11 year old singer and song writer behind 'Change' and this is her very first interview, giving us a look into who she is and why encouraging change amongst her peers is important to her.

Daniel and Bayou are the husband and wife team behind Dream Team Directors, the production house that filmed both projects. Multi-award winners, they talk to us about the challenges of filming environment projects and give us a look behind the scenes.