**Executive Summary**
On April 5, 2026, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) collaborated with The Ocean Film Festival of India (TOFFOI) to celebrate National Maritime Day in Mumbai. The event featured the screening of the opening film “Deepastambh” and a masterclass on marine biodiversity aimed at fostering conservation awareness. Key themes included the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and the necessity of engaging younger generations in coastal observation.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Event Overview**
* The fourth edition of The Ocean Film Festival of India was held at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, Mumbai.
* The celebration was attended by NFDC officials, festival directors, marine ecologists, and ocean conservation enthusiasts.
* The NFDC presented the acclaimed film “Deepastambh” to open the festival.
**Masterclass: "Marine Biodiversity: Life Under Water"**
* The session was led by Dr. Deepak Apte, a Green Oscar recipient and marine ecologist, drawing on four decades of experience.
* The masterclass featured insights from diving expeditions in Lakshadweep and the Andaman Islands.
* Technical strategies for underwater photography were shared to highlight the beauty and fragility of coral reefs.
**Conservation and Environmental Advocacy**
* The event emphasized the looming threat of extinction facing various marine species.
* Discussions focused on the critical impact of climate change on unexplored marine ecosystems.
* A strong appeal was made to shift the focus of the younger generation from purely recreational coastal activities to active conservation and observation.
**Impact Analysis**
**Youth and Future Generations**
**Impact**
They are identified as essential participants in the shift from recreational use of coastal areas to active environmental stewardship.
**Action Required**
The document calls for them to participate in coastal observation and conservation awareness initiatives.
**Marine Ecologists and Conservationists**
**Impact**
The event provided a platform to disseminate scientific insights and highlight the urgency of protecting fragile coral reefs and unexplored marine life.
**Action Required**
Continue sharing expertise and strategies for underwater documentation to advocate for species preservation and climate change mitigation.
**NFDC and Film Festival Organizers**
**Impact**
These organizations act as facilitators for public education by curating specialized content and masterclasses for "thalassophiles" (ocean lovers).
**Action Required**
Continue collaborating on cultural events that bridge the gap between cinema and environmental advocacy.
Key Entities Referenced
National Film Development Corporation (NFDC): The primary organizing body under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting that hosted the event and curated masterclasses for National Maritime Day.
The Ocean Film Festival of India (TOFFOI): The collaborative film festival initiative focused on ocean conservation that partnered with NFDC for its fourth edition in 2026.
National Maritime Day: The annual observance that served as the primary occasion for the collaboration and awareness activities regarding marine biodiversity.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: The central government ministry responsible for the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the dissemination of the event details.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
NFDC celebrates National Maritime Day 2026 in
collaboration with The Ocean Film Festival of
India
Posted On: 06 APR 2026 4:39PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 6 April 2026
National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) celebrated National Maritime Day
2026 by collaborating with The Ocean Film Festival of India (TOFFOI) 2026. The
fourth edition of the festival was held on April 5, 2026, at the Veermata Jijabai
Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Mumbai.
The inauguration was graced by eminent personalities, including Head
Programming, NFDC, Ms. Gouri Nair; Festival Director and Founder, Ecolfolks, Mr.
Paresh Pimpale; Marine Ecologist, Dr. Deepak Apte; Founder, Aqua Sailing, Ms. Zia
Hajeebhoy; along with ocean conservation enthusiasts, senior representatives, and
zoo management officials. NFDC presented the acclaimed opening film
“Deepastambh” and also curated a special masterclass for thalassophiles.
A standout moment of the festival was the NFDC-curated masterclass titled “Marine
Biodiversity: Life Under Water.” The session was conducted by Marine Ecologist and
Green Oscar recipient, Dr. Deepak Apte, who was felicitated by Head Programming,
Masterclasses and Domestic Film Festivals, NFDC, Ms. Gouri Nair, on behalf of NFDC.
Drawing from over four decades of experience, Dr. Apte captivated the audience
with insights into his diving expeditions across regions such as Lakshadweep and
the Andaman Islands, while showcasing the hidden beauty of life beneath the sea.
During the session, he shared strategies and techniques for underwater
photography to highlight the vibrant yet fragile world of coral reefs and the looming
threat of extinction facing various species.
He stressed the urgent need to engage the younger generation in coastal
observation and conservation awareness rather than purely recreational activities.
He further emphasised the vast areas of marine life that remain unexplored and
highlighted the critical impact of climate change on these fragile ecosystems.The
event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, sparking insightful discussions
that continued among attendees even after the session.
PIB Mumbai| Edgar Coelho/ Priti Malandkar
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