We are delighted to share the San Francisco premiere of Not All Those Who Wander, a moving short film directed by Rhys Watkin, a former Oceanic Society naturalist and photographer aboard our Farallon Islands whale watching trips. This film stars Michael Pierson—a current Oceanic Society naturalist and our California field operations specialist—and was largely filmed on location aboard our trips.
Not All Those Who Wander was officially selected for the prestigious San Francisco Short Film Festival (presented by SF IndieFest), where it will be screened on October 19th at the 4Star Theater in San Francisco and online beginning on October 17th. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication that Rhys and Michael brought to the film, and we are proud to have served as the platform for the creation of this film.
Watch the Trailer
About Not All Those Who Wander
Not All Those Who Wander follows Michael Pierson on a poignant and personal journey to find Morris, the only Northern Gannet living in the Pacific Ocean. After being disowned by his family due to his sexual orientation, Michael draws a parallel between his life and that of Morris—a bird far from home and isolated from its nearest relatives. The film artfully interweaves their stories, illustrating the strength and resilience required to navigate unfamiliar and isolating worlds. With stunning cinematography around the rugged coastline of the Farallon Islands and an emotionally powerful narrative, Not All Those Who Wander is a testament to the unexpected ways that nature and human life intersect. The film showcases the unwavering determination of a man who sees himself in an unlikely feathered friend and who ultimately finds solace in the notion that, indeed, not all those who wander … are lost.
Where to Watch: In Person and Online
The film will premiere at the San Francisco Short Film Festival:
Date & Time: October 19th, 2024 at 6:00pm
Location: 4Star Theater, 2200 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
Get Tickets: Click here for ticket information and reservations
If you prefer to watch from home, you can join the virtual screening:
Dates: October 17–27, 2024
Get Virtual Tickets: Click here to order the virtual film
We are incredibly proud of Rhys and Michael’s work and look forward to sharing this film with our community. We hope you’ll join us for the premiere and take the opportunity to experience this unique film. See you there!
