Local filmmaker Andrew Stevenson's documentary about the journey of humpback whales has been selected as a finalist in a California film festival.

Mr. Stevenson was named one of three finalists for the Emerging Underwater Filmmaker Award at the Blue Ocean Film Festival in Monterey.

He was nominated for his film 'Where the Whales Sing', featured in the Bermuda International Film Festival this year.

Shot over a period of three years, the film follows the 40-tonne creatures as they travel from their breeding grounds in the Caribbean to their feeding grounds in Eastern Canada, passing Bermuda in the process.

Elsa Stevenson, Mr. Stevenson's daughter, narrates the hour-long documentary.

He said he was surprised that his film had been recognised.

"It was completely unexpected," he said.

"It was basically shot as a home video. To see it get into an international film festival, much less as a finalist, is incredible."

'Where the Whales Sing' was one of more than 350 films from around the world entered into the festival, which focuses on the work of underwater filmmakers.

The Blue Ocean Film Festival started yesterday and ends Sunday, when a winner is expected to be announced. 'Where the Whales Sing' screens on Saturday.