LEE COUNTY, FL – It's time the rest of the world awakens to southwest Florida.

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) released a five-minute film, Awaken, along with an ecological calendar that showcases the natural beauty and ecological diversity of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.

Awaken is a first-of-its-kind film shot with the latest photo, video, slow motion and time-lapse techniques. It can be viewed on an enormous scale -- IMAX-sized -- and can also be viewed and shared on PCs and smartphones in ways that will delight travelers year-round and encourage visits to view these remarkable eco-seasons.

The online calendar generates more than 100 seasonal messages reminding users of the many, year-round, natural seasons found in southwest Florida including such natural wonders as when the white pelicans return, Tarpon season begins or the Pink Muhley grasses are in bloom.

“The goal is to share the beauty and diversity of the area, which will inspire both visitation and protection,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director of the VCB.  “The piece clearly speaks in the voice of a destination that treasures and preserves its natural assets.”

Fort Myers filmmaker, Cameron Michael, spent thousands of hours on location capturing everything from spectacular sunsets to baby sea turtle releases. The film also includes a score by composer Charlie Wan and is sung by Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Danielle Parente.

The entire project including the five-minute slow motion, time-lapse photography piece is available for free on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel's website at http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/awaken

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The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres. For media assistance on the destination, please visit www.fortmyerssanibel.com/media.