Pioneer Award at the
Blue Water Film Festival
March 26, 2026
La Jolla, California, USA, 26 March 2026: Eclectic Aspirations proudly celebrates the San Diego premiere of WEALTH UNTOLD, a powerful documentary featuring the multigenerational women leaders defending Belize’s iconic barrier reef and the future of coastal communities.
Produced over four years by a team of independent filmmakers and ocean advocates, the film arrives in San Diego following a successful international screening tour. Since its World Premiere at the Belize International Film Festival in November 2024, the documentary has been showcased at the United Nations Ocean Conference and the Newport Beach Film Festival, as well as for academic audiences at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography and Clark University’s School of Climate, Environment, and Society.
More than a story of environmental crisis, WEALTH UNTOLD is a portrait of resilience and hope that demonstrates how local action can drive global impact. By documenting successful women-led efforts that advocate for marine protection and community empowerment, the film offers a blueprint for conservation worldwide. It serves as a reminder that lasting change begins with those who care enough to lead it forward.
Wealth Untold screening during Opening Night of the 7th Annual Blue Water Film Festival.
WEALTH UNTOLD screened as part of the Opening Night (March 19, 2026) lineup of the 7th Annual Blue Water Film Festival at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Seaside Forum in La Jolla, California. The screening drew an audience of over 200 people and was followed by an engaging filmmaker Q&A that included director/producer Eladio Arvelo.
Founded by Greg Reitman, the Blue Water Film Festival celebrates the United Nations’ World Water Day (March 22) and promotes San Diego as a global hub for marine science and environmental storytelling. Given that Eclectic Aspirations is based in San Diego County, the screening served as a timely homecoming during Women’s History Month.
Wealth Untold Official Poster by the entrance of the Scripps Seaside Forum.
(left to right) Eladio Arvelo, Wealth Untold Director/Producer, and Greg Reitman, Blue Water Film Festival Director/Founder.
Among the distinguished audience, we were honored by the presence of Miss Yvette Gentle, Vice Consul/Acting Consul General of Belize in Los Angeles.
In her own words, “WEALTH UNTOLD really stands out because it connects global issues with local realities, and it educates the citizenry on the need for conservation.” Miss Gentle noted her pride in seeing women in leadership taking conservation so seriously, as these actions (or inactions) have a direct impact on livelihoods the world over.
Miss Yvette Gentle, Vice Consul/Acting Consul General of Belize in Los Angeles, and Eladio Arvelo, Wealth Untold Director/Producer.
The four-day film festival culminated with the Blue Water Awards ceremony, including a special recognition to this year’s Blue Water Honorees.
WEALTH UNTOLD film participant Janet Gibson was honored with the Pioneer Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership in marine conservation. A biologist and zoologist from Belize, Gibson worked to establish the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (the first in Central America), helped to build a Coastal Zone Management Unit as part of the Fisheries department, and was instrumental in securing the World Heritage Site designation for the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.
Janet Gibson accepts the Pioneer Award via a recorded speech during the Blue Water Awards ceremony.
The San Diego premiere marks a pivotal step in the film’s ongoing journey. Following its festival run, the producers are transitioning into a multi-phase release roadmap designed to maximize global reach. The goal is to utilize the documentary as a high-impact resource for conservation organizations while pursuing a national broadcast on PBS and international licensing to reach mainstream audiences worldwide.
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We seek to collaborate with aligned partners committed to preserving our global marine environment. Contact us to explore ways the film may be leveraged to support your community and the mission of your organization.
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Send inquiries to info@wealthuntoldfilm.com