KIZOKU Exchange is a curated cinematic Exchange focused on CAPITAL · INTELLIGENCE · SYSTEMS · VISIONARY VENTURES.
The Kizoku Exchange is not a traditional film festival; it is a Strategic Narrative Marketplace.
We evaluate narratives for their underlying intent—what a story is truly saying about power, strategy, innovation, or systems—not just plot. We provide a bridge between elite filmmakers and the worlds of capital, industry, and infrastructure.
THE FOUR TRADING FLOORS
We look for "Architects" who produce work—both modern and historical—that aligns with our four primary sectors:
CAPITAL | Markets & Geopolitics: The flow of wealth, mastery of risk, and how global power shifts affect the economy. Includes investment banking and capital market mechanics.
INTELLIGENCE | Strategy & Maneuvering: The art of outthinking an opponent. Includes military doctrine, espionage, geopolitical power plays, and high-level corporate strategy or espionage.
SYSTEMS | The Infrastructure of Order: Deconstructing the complex networks that run our world—financial systems, political frameworks, global logistics, and supply chains.
VENTURE | Innovation & Brand Heritage: The blueprint of achievement. Profiles of entrepreneurs, legacy brand stories, and pioneers who disrupt industries and build empires.
Held at Tokyo International Airport during Sakura season, this international film festival features a Red Carpet Opening Gala and Big Screen projections! Submit your trending Vertical Films and Fully Generative AI Films, and vie for the unique "Kawaii" Award. Your chance is here! This is Your Legendary Gateway to the Film World. Experience a festival of "Omotenashi" (Japanese Hospitality) symbolizing international peace.
Welcome to the Japan International Film Festival (JPIFF, pronounced "Jay-Pif").
JPIFF is more than just a festival; it is a global celebration of cinematic artistry bridging the East and the West. Located in Japan, a country with a profound history of storytelling and visual arts, we are dedicated to discovering and promoting visionary filmmakers from every corner of the globe.
The Ultimate Stage: Sakura & The Gateway to Tokyo
Imagine screening your film at the very gateway to Japan, during the legendary Sakura (Cherry Blossom) season. JPIFF offers an unparalleled cinematic experience at the exclusive TIAT SKY HALL, located directly within Haneda Airport Terminal 3. This is not just a venue; it is a world-class stage exclusively reserved for JPIFF, offering a dramatic and luxurious atmosphere found nowhere else in the world.
Why Submit to JPIFF?
* Unrivaled Location: Showcase your work in the heart of Tokyo's international hub. The combination of Japan's most iconic season—Sakura—and a state-of-the-art airport venue creates a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop for your film's Japanese debut.
* Prestigious Recognition: Winning an award at the "Japan International Film Festival" adds significant weight and prestige to your film’s biography. Our laurels are designed to stand out on your promotional materials.
* Connection to Japan: For international filmmakers, breaking into the Japanese market can be challenging. JPIFF serves as your bridge, bringing your work to the attention of Japanese audiences and industry professionals.
* Global Networking: We create opportunities for filmmakers to connect, share ideas, and foster future collaborations across borders.
Event & Screening Format:
JPIFF is a physical festival held at Haneda Airport, designed to respect the busy schedules of filmmakers while maximizing global reach.
* Live Screenings at TIAT SKY HALL: The festival culminates in a spectacular physical event with a live audience. On the main screen, we will feature Special Presentations (Director's Message & Film Highlights) for nominated films to showcase their essence to the audience and industry professionals.
* Full Feature Screening: As a highlight of the physical event, select award-winning films, such as the winner of the Japan International Peace Film Award (Grand Prix), will be screened in their entirety at the venue.
* Online Access (Judge & Industry): To ensure thorough evaluation, all nominated films will be available for viewing via our secure online portal for authorized judges and attendees leading up to the festival.
Power of Connection & Future Vision:
The founder of JPIFF holds a proven track record of extensive partnerships with the entertainment industry across Japan and Asia, as well as with leading Japanese corporations. We are constantly developing exciting new collaborations to elevate the festival experience. Please check our Official Website and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates on these expanding opportunities!
Exclusive PR Opportunities:
On our Official Website ([https://jpiff.com/](https://jpiff.com/)), films selected by the founder's unique perspective—regardless of award status or official selection—may be featured in special interview articles. We are dedicated to supporting your PR efforts and helping your work gain traction in the Japanese and Asian markets.
Hospitality & Benefits for Filmmakers:
We welcome filmmakers from all over the world with our spirit of "Omotenashi."
* Visit Support: Please note that travel expenses, accommodation costs, and VIP Passports are self-funded. However, we provide full support for your visit, including issuing official invitation letters for visa applications and offering recommendations for convenient hotels directly connected to or near the airport.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
* Q: Can I submit a work in progress?
A: Yes, rough cuts are accepted for submission.
However, the final version must be completed and submitted at least two months prior to the festival date. Please notify the organizer separately when submitting the final version.
* Q: Is a Japan Premiere required?
A: It is highly preferred but not mandatory. Films available online are also eligible, though premiere status may be a factor in the final selection.
* Q: What is the screening format?
A: We require digital files (Apple ProRes 422 HQ or high-bitrate MP4). DCPs are not required.
* Q: Are there specific requirements for Vertical Films?
A: Yes, please submit files with a native vertical aspect ratio (e.g., 9:16). Please do not add black bars (pillarboxing) to fit a horizontal frame.
Submit your film today and let your journey in Japan begin.
The Venue: TIAT SKY HALL (Haneda Airport International Terminal)
JPIFF offers a truly exclusive cinematic experience at the TIAT SKY HALL, located directly inside Haneda Airport (HND) Terminal 3, the gateway to Tokyo.
* A World-Class, Exclusive Setting: This is not just a screening; it is a red-carpet event held in a venue exclusively reserved for JPIFF. Situated within the international terminal, it symbolizes a direct connection between your art and the world.
* Impressive Screening Experience: Your films will be showcased on a massive 330-inch Cinema Screen with state-of-the-art acoustics, ensuring the highest quality visual experience for every attendee.
* Direct Access: International filmmakers can land at Tokyo International Airport Terminal 3 and walk straight to the festival venue. No trains or taxis required upon arrival. Furthermore, this is one of the world's premier locations, directly connected to prestigious Japanese hotels.
* Experience Tokyo & Sakura: The event is scheduled for late March, coinciding with Tokyo's breathtaking Cherry Blossom (Sakura) season. Experience the magic of spring in Japan at a location that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Event Schedule Overview:
* March 26, 2027 (Evening): Opening Gala Party. A glamorous networking night at the festival venue. Features include a Red Carpet Photo Corner, individual Nominee Stand Banners, and professional Photo Sessions for all filmmakers.
* March 27, 2027 (Main Event): Award Ceremony & Special Screening. The main festival day features Special Presentations (Director's Message & Film Highlights) for all nominees, followed by full-length screenings of select award winners, such as the Japan International Peace Film Award (Grand Prix), and concludes with the Award Ceremony.
* Tickets & Passes: Various ticket options will be available for purchase directly via Festhome, including exclusive 2-Day VIP Passports (for Nominated Filmmakers, granting special guest access to both the Gala and Main Festival) and General Admission Tickets (for Audience & Industry Professionals) for the screenings and ceremony.
#VIEWCONFERENCE is the premiere International event in Italy on Computer Graphics, Interactive Techniques, Digital Cinema, Animation, VR/AR, Games, VFX and immersive storytelling.
VIEW CONFERENCE è un evento internazionale a cadenza annuale incentrato sulla computer grafica, le tecniche interattive, il cinema digitale, l’animazione, i videogiochi, gli effetti visivi, Realta' Virtuale e aumentata e storytelling immersivo.
1) VIEW AWARD: First Prize is 2000 Euros
2) ITALIANMIX: First Prize is a RenderMan license
www.viewconference.it
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/viewconference
YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UChGdAnZQE6UcH_OQ5DNFW_Q
Twitter: @viewconference.it
Instagram: view_conference
Around International Awards ✈ Barcelona ✈ Paris ✈ Amsterdam ✈ Berlin.
Annual Independent event with 4 major programs for all Features, Shorts, Documentaries, Experimental, Commercial, Music Video, Animations, Student Films, TV, Series, and New Media. The international community evaluates the all-genre creations to serve ARFF Official Laurels and to certify the awarded filmmakers at the end of the annual festival run. Thus, all the ARFF Finalists will be mentioned multiple times to have the best out of the entire year altogether.
Submit today to participate in all 4 programs, regarding the unique system of ARFF International.
Submissions made via Festhome are getting evaluated and selected, directly for the yearly festival run and participating in the Official Certificate Program exclusively. Monthly selection is available on other associated platforms.
See you Around & Fest Regards
IA en Corto is an International Short Film Festival dedicated to exploring new forms of audiovisual creation emerging from the use of Artificial Intelligence.
The festival seeks works that research, experiment with, or integrate AI tools at any stage of the creative process, including image generation, animation, scriptwriting, editing, sound design, or narrative development.
IA en Corto was created as a space for filmmakers, digital artists, audiovisual creators, and experimental artists from around the world who understand artificial intelligence not only as a technical tool, but as a new creative language.
The festival celebrates innovation, diversity of perspectives, and the dialogue between cinema, technology, and the future.
It is not required for the entire short film to be generated using AI; however, its use must be relevant and creative, not merely technical or incidental.
Coming together to explore new cultures and celebrate creativity will always be important and VIFFMP is the perfect medium for that. Visual literacy is an aptitude for this century and VIFFMP brings together the highest-quality stories to learn from. VIFFMP exists to inspire audiences and keep the excitement alive for cinematic experiences.
VIFFMP is a meeting place for filmmakers and people who are interested in the world in its variety, different approaches to life, film as an art form, a medium and a tool of social expression. VIFFMP offers filmmakers a platform to introduce their work and discuss topics shown in the film as well as the filmmaking process. Helping at the frontline of an increasingly polarized world. Speaking multiple languages, VIFFMP gives the ability to hear a rich diversity of voices from the divided areas.
VIFFMP is not out there just for the sake of films. We enliven with an idealism that enables filmmakers and diverse communities to share their ideas in close personal contact.
Bonito CineSur – South American Film Festival – 2026
The heart of South American cinema beats in Bonito
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela
Competitive screenings of new South American feature films and short films produced between 2025 and 2026;
Parallel exhibition of South American children’s animation films;
Competitive screening of environmental-themed films;
Competitive screening of films from Mato Grosso do Sul, produced between 2025 and 2026;
Awards, debates, and roundtable discussions aimed at international cooperation;
Workshops for professionals, film and audiovisual academics, and local residents;
Exchange with leading South American film festival directors.
VENUES
Bonito Convention Center and public squares.
ECOTOURISM, CULTURE AND CINEMA
In the heart of Brazil, the city of Bonito is part of the Serra da Bodoquena National Park and is one of the most important ecotourism destinations in the country.
Mato Grosso do Sul borders Bolivia and Paraguay, from where it has received strong cultural influences that shape the ethnic identity of its people.
Bonito has approximately twenty thousand inhabitants and, in this charming city, there are crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, caves, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Brazil’s Midwest. As a cultural hub of Mato Grosso do Sul, Bonito hosts literary and jazz festivals, as well as a winter festival.
Bonito CineSur is a space for meeting and integration of South American cinema and audiovisual production, presenting the most recent works and bringing together professionals from across the continent.
In 2025, its third edition enriched the cultural calendar of the city, the country, and the continent with the screening of 63 films from 10 South American countries, in 120 hours of free programming.
Bonito CineSur received wide coverage in local and national media, with 1,665 published news pieces, reaching more than 619 thousand people on social media. It grew in size and relevance with the participation of 60 public and private institutions, reaching 9,000 people and fostering the local creative economy through the hiring of 250 professional services, including production, technical equipment, hotels, restaurants, and transportation, generating income and visibility.
In 2026, Bonito CineSur will continue to occupy venues throughout the city of Bonito and will further consolidate the convergence between culture, environment, and tourism, promoting South American cinematic exchange, highlighting environmental issues, and internationally promoting the tourist destination of Bonito and our beloved Brazil.
TEAM
NILSON RODRIGUES – Director
Producer of the films “O Outro Lado do Paraíso” (2015) and “O Pastor e o Guerrilheiro” (2022). Nilson served as director of the Festival de Brasília do Cinema Brasileiro (1995, 1997, 1998, and 2011) and of the Brasília International Film Festival (2012 to 2017), as well as Bonito CineSur (2023 to 2026).
ANDREA FREIRE – Coordinator
Coordinator of the Bonito Winter Festival (2000 to 2006, 2015, and 2016); coordinator of the Festival América do Sul (2004, 2005, 2015, and 2016); coordinator of the Vídeo Índio Brasil Showcase (2009); of the audiovisual production course Mídias Contemporâneas Narrativas Populares (2010); director, researcher, and screenwriter of the audiovisual series EVOÉ – Dramatic Stories in Campo Grande (2021). Coordinator of Bonito CineSur (2023 to 2026).
GUSTAVO DE ARRUDA CASTELO (Cegonha) – Coordinator
Cultural producer, coordinator of Temporadas Populares (1999 to 2002); General Director of the Mato Grosso do Sul Culture Foundation (2020 to 2022); Coordinator of Bonito CineSur (2023 to 2026).
JOSÉ GERALDO COUTO – Curator
Born in Jaú, São Paulo, in 1957, he is a journalist, translator, and film critic. He worked for more than twenty years at Folha de S. Paulo newspaper and currently works at the Moreira Salles Institute. He has translated works by Henry James, Norman Mailer, Truman Capote, Martin Scorsese, and Nelson Mandela, among others.
CECILIA DIEZ – Curator
University professor and general producer of the Mar del Plata International Film Festival (2021–2023) and Ventana Sur (2022–2023).
RODRIGO FONSECA – Curator
Curator, critic, and researcher of Brazilian cinema, known for his work curating film exhibitions and festivals, as well as for his work as a journalist and professor.
LUCIANA DRUZINA – Director of Druzina Content, where for over fifteen years she has produced animated series, films, fiction, and games distributed in more than fifty countries across various platforms and channels. Curator of the children’s parallel program of Bonito CineSur (2023 to 2026).
ELIS REGINA – Curator of the Environmental Film Section Journalist, has worked as a curator at several events, including Comitiva dos Chefs Festival Movie Showcase (2019); Making Of Showcase – O Cinema Está Aqui – Festcine América do Sul (2014); A Imagem do Índio – Vídeo Índio Brasil(2014 and 2015); Comida em Movimento Festival – Cinema and Gastronomy (2023); and the Bonito CineSur South American Environmental Film Festival (2023 to 2026).
MARCOS PIERRY – Curator of the Mato Grosso do Sul Film Section, Journalist, critic, audiovisual curator, screenwriter, short film director, and film professor. He holds a Master’s degree from USP and a PhD from UFMG. Member of the Brazilian Association of Film Critics (Abraccine). Curator of the Mato Grosso do Sul film section of Bonito CineSur (2024 and 2026).
BONITO CINESUR – South American Film Festival
Production – Associação Amigos do Cinema e da Cultura – AACIC
The Associação Amigos do Cinema e da Cultura – AACIC is a private, non-profit organization founded in 2007, which has been developing cultural, educational, and training projects for over fifteen years.
The association’s experience and technical capacity to develop and carry out activities in the field of cinema, as well as in education, training, and culture in general, have been officially recognized by the Education, Health, and Culture Commission of the Legislative Chamber of Brasília and by the University of Brasília.
VI International Short Film Festival "Make me visible in your memory" aims to promote reflection on death and the subsequent process on personal and family, social and historical memory.
The "Gulf of Naples Independent Film Festival" is an event intended to serve as an international showcase for films of various types and gender, in order to promote and spread the art, auteur and experimental films that are not released in cinemas playhouses, to foster dialogue between different experiences and to create a meeting point for the support of cinema culture.
The Cultural Association ‘El Bujío’ of Segura de León (Badajoz), in its desire to pay tribute and remember Andrés Oyola Fabián, neighbour and friend of our town, tireless researcher and disseminator in the field of social and human affairs, organises, in collaboration and with the support of the Town Council of Segura de León and the Provincial Council of Badajoz, the Fifth Edition of the ‘Oyola Fabián International Documentary Film Festival (OFFCINEDOC)’.
Once the participating works have been received and as long as they comply with the aspects included in the Bases, a selection will be made by the organisation and they will be transferred to an international jury made up of professionals from the audiovisual field and from different subjects related to general culture, as well as to other members that we will call ‘popular jury’, who although they are not professionals in the field, have sufficient criteria to evaluate the selected works, understanding that in this way, a fair evaluation will be made that will include both the technical aspects and the cultural value and knowledge that the works contribute.
Depending on the number of works presented and selected, different screenings will be held during the week of 17 to 21 August 2026, in the open air and totally free of charge for those attending.
To conclude the Festival, the Closing Gala will be held on Friday 21st August 2026, where the prizes will be awarded to the winning works.
monFILMAT is an international film festival where the landscape has a specific weight in the development of the plot, in fiction, the documentary, the creation of author or children's entertainment.
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From june 11th to 14th, 2026, in Amposta.
Cartagena Negra is the crime fiction festival held in the city of Cartagena. It is an event centred around literature and the crime fiction genre.
During the festival, there are round tables, lectures, presentations of new literary works, reading clubs, and other events related to the noir theme, such as monologue competitions, open mic sessions, talks, and meetings.
This year marks the 10th edition of the Cartagena Negra Short Film Competition, which has become a fundamental part of the official programme. At Cartagena Negra, we are passionate about cinema, which is why we want to bring together the literary and cinematographic genres in the same event.
Therefore, in the spirit of strengthening this relationship with the world of cinema, this edition will feature screenings of noir films, including the participation of filmmakers who specialise in this type of story.
The Cartagena Negra Short Film Award has a clear mission to promote short films within the current film scene, contributing to their recognition. Short films are also cinema.
Short and music outdoor. This is what is proposed Korterraza, a festival of short films that celebrate its SEVENTEENTH edition of June 24 to 27, 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, and throughout the summer, the twelfth edition of Korterraza Araba.
Welcome to Trans Africa International Film Festival (TAIFF) a groundbreaking event dedicated to fostering collaboration, capacity building for filmmakers, institutional strengthening, and empowering the next generation of storytellers. Join us from November 26th to 30th, 2026, for a transforming experience that celebrates creativity, innovation, and the power of cinema to inspire change.
The TAIFF serves as a platform for collaboration, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts to connect, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful partnerships. Through collaborative projects, networking sessions, and interactive workshops, participants will have the opportunity to collaborate on creative endeavors that push boundaries and spark new perspectives.
Empowering emerging filmmakers is at the core of the Trans Africa International Film Festival. Our program includes a series of masterclasses, hands-on workshops, and skill-building sessions led by industry experts. From script development to production techniques, editing to distribution strategies, budding filmmakers will gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance their craft and navigate the competitive landscape of the film industry.
As part of our commitment to nurturing talent, the festival offers a Young Filmmakers Mentorship Program designed to provide guidance, support, and mentorship to aspiring filmmakers. Established professionals will mentor young talents, offering personalized advice, career insights, and hands-on experience to help them realize their creative vision and achieve their filmmaking goals.
TAIFF aims to strengthen the institutional framework of the film industry by engaging with key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders. Through panel discussions, roundtable sessions, and policy forums, the festival will address critical issues facing the industry, advocate for positive change, and create a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for filmmakers to thrive.
The festival provides aims to platform for stakeholders from across the film industry to engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives that drive positive impact. By facilitating connections between filmmakers, investors, distributors, and policymakers, the festival creates opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and collective action to shape the future of cinema.
Highlights of the Event:
- Masterclasses: Dive deep into the art and craft of filmmaking with interactive masterclasses led by industry experts.
- Film Screenings: Experience a diverse selection of films from emerging talents and established filmmakers that challenge conventions and inspire audiences.
- Networking Events: Connect with fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and stakeholders at networking events designed to foster collaboration and partnerships.
- Awards Ceremony: Celebrate creativity and excellence in filmmaking at the festival's awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in storytelling and filmmaking.
The TAIFF was founded by Nixon Ayuba Waya, a festival programmer with vast experience in organizing international festival events and a prolific filmmaker with a decade of experience in this sector.
Join us at the Trans Africa International Film Festival 2026 for a week-long celebration of cinema, creativity, and collaboration. Together, we will shape the future of filmmaking, empower the next generation of storytellers, and inspire positive change through the power of storytelling.
Festival Organiced by Rights in Action organization with special estatus of consultative estatus in the ECOSOC of the United Nations.
This festival is held to screen films that make us think, awaken our consciousness towards a human future, to reflect the social and cultural and ecological diversity of humanity, witness to human rights violations and create a forum for courageous individuals, showing the highlight and talented bright of hope on Human Rights.
This is the goal of our Festival. New York Human Rights Film Festival, last year we celebrate our 9th edition festival.
Our mission is promoting the understanding of every form of expression relevant to cinema and Human Rights.
To consolidate the Human Rights Film Festival, the audience can enjoy the films complemented with panel discussions, Q&A’s, master classes and forums on Human Rights.
Festival twinned with the Barcelona Human Rights Film Festival with 22 editions.
The Festival is really an independent organization not influenced, or financed or in affiliation to any political or religious entity.
Human, Madrid Human Rights Film Festival, based in Madrid, Spain’s capital, which will celebrate its 10th annual edition, with a programme focused on human rights and freedoms.
The programme features fiction, animation, and documentary across shorts, medium-length, and features, combining emerging and established voices from diverse regions. Works are selected for their artistic quality, rigour, and thematic relevance, favouring perspectives that broaden public debate and encourage critical thinking.
The Festival is a cultural, educational, and participatory event that serves as a space for reflection and dialogue on human rights and freedoms. Alongside screenings, it offers post-screening Q&As, conversations with experts, and audience engagement activities for diverse publics — including young people and the education community. It is organized by Derechos en Acción, an independent civil-society, non-profit organization with special consultative status with ECOSOC (United Nations), committed to the promotion and defense of these principles through culture and cinema.
Focus 2026: THE SOCIAL CRISES OF THE 21ST CENTURY
• Environmental crisis
• Housing crisis
• Population aging crisis
• Migration crisis
• Geopolitical balance crisis
The Navarra International Film Festival (NIFF) provides a platform and recognition for creators of fiction, documentary, and animated films. It is recognized as a qualifying festival for the Goya Awards of the Spanish Film Academy, a qualifying festival for the Fugaz Awards (the Goya Awards for short films in Spain), and is rated by IMDb.
Since its first edition in 2019, NIFF has promoted social debate by addressing themes that place people at the heart of its mission, such as the state of the planet and its inhabitants, migration, feminism, diversity, and integration. Through these initiatives, the festival seeks to raise awareness and foster social values, confronting a lack of commitment and giving voice to a wide variety of opinions and perspectives.
Through its various sections and awards, NIFF promotes Regional, National, European, Ibero-American, and International films.
Sacrae Scenae 2026: VII Edition
Cinema Narrating the Soul of the World
Returning to Ardesio, in the heart of the Orobic Prealps, is the seventh edition of Sacrae Scenae, the world’s only international film festival entirely dedicated to popular devotions. Now a landmark event, the festival transforms this historic Bergamo village into a cultural crossroads where the universal language of cinema meets the timeless allure of rituals, traditions, and the sacred.
What to Expect This Edition
The 7th edition promises to be a visual journey without borders, ranging from intimate local cults to grand international manifestations of faith. The festival is more than just a film screening; it is an immersive experience featuring:
International Screenings: A curated selection of documentaries and short films investigating the profound relationship between humanity and the divine.
Cultural Dialogue: Meetings with directors, anthropologists, and experts to delve deeper into the roots of folk traditions.
Territorial Heritage: An unbreakable bond with the identity of Ardesio and its mountains, which serve as the natural stage for this artistic exploration.
Awards of the VII Edition
In addition to the historic Golden Bell Tower (Campanile d’Oro), this year’s focus looks toward the future with the Under 30 category—established to amplify the voices of a new generation of filmmakers who choose to document the intangible through fresh and innovative perspectives.
"Sacrae Scenae is not just cinema: it is an act of cultural resilience, rescuing the deepest roots of human communities from oblivion."
The SunChild 14th International Environmental Festival (SunChild IEF) will take place in October 2026 in Armenia, screening a curated selection of outstanding environmental films from around the world. The 14th edition of the festival will be held in parallel with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP17, hosted by Armenia, creating a unique platform where culture, conservation, and global environmental dialogue intersect.
At a time when biodiversity loss has become one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity, SunChild IEF aims to bring stories of nature, species, ecosystems, and people to the forefront of public attention. Through film, discussion, and community engagement, the festival creates space to learn, connect, and imagine solutions for a more sustainable and biodiverse future.
Selected filmmakers and directors will be invited to Armenia to participate in screenings, discussions, and public events, fostering direct dialogue between filmmakers, experts, youth, and audiences during this globally significant moment for biodiversity conservation.
About the Festival
Founded by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), SunChild International Environmental Festival is the first and only environmental film festival in the South Caucasus. Over the past years, the festival has screened more than 780 films from over 150 countries, becoming a recognized platform for environmental storytelling and dialogue.
Beyond film screenings, SunChild IEF includes a wide range of activities such as workshops, conferences, exhibitions, public discussions, and creative events. The festival also travels to regions across Armenia throughout the year, actively engaging children and youth through educational screenings and community-based initiatives that encourage local action and creative responses to environmental challenges.
SunChild IEF aims to bring biodiversity, wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental responsibility into the center of public discourse, strengthening environmental awareness and participation at both local and international levels.
Theme of the 14th Edition: Biodiversity Conservation
The 14th edition of SunChild IEF is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, focusing on the protection of species, habitats, ecosystems, and the intricate relationships that sustain life on Earth. Films and events within the festival will explore biodiversity loss, human impacts on nature, conservation efforts, restoration initiatives, and pathways toward ecological resilience in Armenia, the South Caucasus region, and globally.
By highlighting both the challenges and solutions related to biodiversity conservation, the festival seeks to inspire responsibility, dialogue, and action among diverse audiences.
Film Categories:
• Feature-Length Environmental Films (Competition)
Documentary films addressing biodiversity conservation, environmental degradation, species protection, ecosystem restoration, and human–nature relationships.
Films released after March 2025 are eligible.
Duration: 45 minutes to 3 hours.
For longer films, please contact SunChild IEF.
• Short Environmental Films (Competition)
Short documentary or fictional films focusing on biodiversity-related themes, including conservation challenges, local and global environmental stories, and innovative solutions.
Films released after March 2025 are eligible.
Duration: 5–45 minutes.
• Youth Voices for Biodiversity – Documentary (Competition)
This category is dedicated to environmental documentaries created by young filmmakers. In line with UN standards, youth are defined as individuals aged 15–24.
At least one key creative role (director, co-director, or lead producer) must be held by a filmmaker within this age range. The category highlights youth perspectives on biodiversity conservation, environmental challenges, and solutions shaping the future.
Films released after March 2024 are eligible.
Duration: 5–120 minutes.
• John Burton Conservation Award
Named in honor of the late conservationist John Burton, this award recognizes outstanding films about individuals and initiatives dedicated to protecting nature and biodiversity worldwide.
The award celebrates strong directorial vision and impactful storytelling about conservation leaders and changemakers.
Films released after March 2025 are eligible.
• Non-Competition: Environmental Education & Awareness
This non-competitive program welcomes films that contribute to environmental education and public awareness on a broad range of ecological topics, including biodiversity, climate, wildlife, and sustainability.
Films of any genre released before March 2023 are eligible.
Duration: 5 minutes to 2 hours.
For shorter or longer films, please contact SunChild IEF.
