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NFTS announce new/upgraded qualifications, making their two year Master’s courses Master’s of Fine Arts, the highest possible ... MFA!
The National Film and Television School has recently announced an innovative slate of new qualifications for 2025/2026!
Their world-leading course portfolio is expanding to now include 2 year Master of Fine Art (MFA) courses, opening the door to even more opportunities for students.
• Achieve the highest qualification possible in your chosen discipline
• Raises the bar to more accurately reflect these practice-based degrees, for high-level creative and performance work
• Globally recognised as a teaching qualification within higher education
• Spend two transformative years training to shape the future of the creative industries
Gain the expertise needed to direct science and wildlife productions, the know-how to produce and direct entire shows and the confidence to generate and pitch ideas to commissioners with the Directing and Producing Science & Natural History MFA course at the NFTS.
Europe's most highly endowed nature film competition is entering its second round: Since April 1, nature filmmakers and producers have been able to submit their works for the European Wildlife Film Awards (EWFA) 2026. Documentary films dealing with the topics of nature, wild animals, or the environment in Europe, which were completed no more than two years ago at the time of submission, are eligible for submission.
The winners will receive a total of €47,500 in prize money, a handcrafted wooden owl trophy, and the title of “Best European Nature Film 2026.” An independent jury made up of experts from conservation, media, science and culture will select the winners in the categories of Wildlife (worth €15,000), Biodiversity (€10,000), Nature Conservation (€10,000), and Storytelling (€5,000). There will also be an Audience Award (€5,000) and a prize for Best Short Film (€2,500). All films that make it into the Official Selection are automatically nominated for the Audience Award. The awards ceremony will take place in February 2026 at the prestigious “Embassy of Wildlife” in Hamburg’s HafenCity.
If possible, please submit a German-language version of the film. Alternatively, films should ideally be in English. Non-German movies are required to contain German or English subtitles.
The European Wildlife Film Awards are organized by the German Wildlife Foundation and are taking place for the second time. The first competition in 2025 was a huge success: 245 films were submitted for the best nature film. The awards were presented on February 15, 2025. The most highly endowed prize in the Wildlife category went to Finnish director Marko Röhr for his documentary "Tale of the Sleeping Giants". Jan Haft won the Biodiversity category with his film "Unsere Wälder – Mut zur Lücke". Christian Heynen impressed the jury in the Nature Conservation category with his documentary "Gute Nachrichten vom Planeten – wie wir Moor, Heide und Wiese schützen". The award for Best Story went to Irish director Kathleen Harris for her film "Birdsong". The best short film was "Pepe taucht ab", filmed and produced by Sven Bohde from Kiel.
For Valmik Thapar, the tiger was never just a symbol of wild India. It was a living, breathing force—majestic, imperiled, and, to him, essential. His death on May 31, 2025 in New Delhi, from cancer, marks the end of a five-decade crusade to ensure that the world’s largest cat did not vanish from the subcontinent it had long ruled.
Born in 1952 into a politically connected family in Delhi, Thapar’s early years offered him proximity to power, but it was a chance encounter with a tiger in the wilds of Ranthambhore in the 1970s that changed his life. Under the mentorship of Fateh Singh Rathore, the architect of India’s Project Tiger, Thapar became an unlikely but relentless advocate for the species. He was not a trained biologist, but he brought to the cause a potent mix of storytelling, conviction, and unyielding moral clarity.
Over the years, he authored more than 30 books and presented acclaimed wildlife documentaries, including Land of the Tiger for the BBC. Yet it was not the cameras or accolades that defined him—it was his relationship with the cats themselves. He named them, tracked them, mourned them. His detailed chronicles of Ranthambhore’s tigers, particularly tigresses like Padmini, Machli, and Krishna, read less like field notes and more like family histories. In these accounts, he observed behaviors that helped rewrite scientific understanding of tigers: Males caring for cubs, hunting in water, and even complex territorial dynamics.
Valmik's last film was My Tiger Family, a BBC documentary focusing on the tigers of Ranthambore National Park. The film highlights the lives of several tigresses and their families, showcasing Thapar's decades of observation and dedication to these magnificent creatures. It was produced by Mike Birkhead.
I was lucky enough to meet the great man myself a couple of times ... the first time was at the first (and only!) Asian Wildlife Film Festival, held in Singapore back in 2007, and I couldn´t´ve been more impressed. His intellect, passion and commitment to conservation. Potentially initimidating but he was kind and generous with his time. Thoughtful and encouraging. He was a giant of a man, in more ways than one. RIP Valmik. JP
Renato Siracusano has collaborated with several prominent film production companies, including Cometa Film (Bologna), Kamel Film, Terra Incognita Production, and Cinecittà.
In 2002, he composed the score for the short film Son of Pen, produced by Cometa Film, which won the Jameson Award at the Turin Film Festival and was the only Italian short selected for the Cannes Film Festival that year.
That same year, he founded Music Cinematic Creations (M.C.C.), a music production company specializing in original compositions for film and television. He also composed the soundtrack for the trailer of the Pridelands Wildlife Film Festival.
He currently collaborates with Italy’s national broadcaster RAI, composing music for a variety of documentary programs, including La Grande Storia by Paolo Mieli (Rai 3), Il Cacciatore di Paesaggi for Il Kilimangiaro (Rai 3), Geo & Geo (Rai 3), and Linea Blu (Rai 1).
He contributed to the soundtrack of the docu-fiction Sacrificate Cassino by Fabio Toncelli, which aired on La7 and is now also available on Amazon Prime Video.
In recent years, he has also composed music for various international production companies such as Matko Pictures and Contingent Films. His credits include the soundtrack for the documentary 33 Days Among the Bears and the TV series Saving the Wild, produced by Matko Pictures and AltAir Earth, broadcast on EarthxTV in the UK, Ireland, and the USA.
Nat Geo premieres “Ocean with David Attenborough” in time for World Ocean Day
National Geographic set a June 7 premiere for the new feature-length documentary Ocean with David Attenborough, with a global streaming debut planned for June 8 (World Ocean Day) on Disney+ and Hulu.
The doc, which was initially announced last summer, sees the celebrated 98-year-old broadcaster Attenborough guiding viewers through the planet’s most spectacular undersea habitats. Through compelling first-hand accounts and immersive cinematography, Ocean examines the human actions that are leading to the oceans’ collapse — including the effects that destructive fishing techniques such as dredging and bottom trawling are having on entire marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and the global climate — while also showcasing and celebrating the oceans’ resilience and remarkable ability to recover when protected.
The film made its world premiere in London on Tuesday (May 6), and will be released theatrically in select territories outside the U.S. beginning on May 8, to coincide with Attenborough’s 99th birthday.
Ocean with David Attenborough is coproduced by Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios. The directors are Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey and Colin Butfield, with Nowlan also serving as producer for Silverback Films. Executive producers include Tom McDonald and Janet Han Vissering for National Geographic; Jasper Smith for Arksen Ltd and 10% for the Ocean; Minderoo Productions Ltd; Enric Sala for National Geographic Society and Pristine Seas; Kristin Rechberger for Dynamic Planet and Revive Our Ocean; Rolly van Rappard and Francoise van Rappard for Don Quixote Foundation; and Olivier Wenden for The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Ocean with David Attenborough review – a passionate case against the ruination of the seas
Released on his 99th birthday and presented in the context of his remarkable career, Sir David’s authority is matched only by nature’s grandeur in this visually stunning film
A visual marvel like all his work, governed by his own matchless authority and striking a steady tonal balance between warning and hope, David Attenborough’s new film about the oceans is absorbing and compelling. He makes a passionate case against the ruin caused by industrial overfishing and the sinister mega-trawlers which roam everywhere, raking the seabed with their vast metal nets, brutally and wastefully hoovering up fish populations of which the majority is often simply thrown away, depleting developing countries and fishing communities of their share. Attenborough says that this is the new colonialism. The film is released in cinemas in anticipation of the UN’s World Oceans Day in June, which is campaigning for 30% of the world’s oceans to be preserved from exploitation – at present, only around 3% is protected in this way.
Itching at having to wait two years for the next Wildscreen Festival? Join us this Autumn for our brand new 3-day event designed to help the wildlife film, TV, and content communuty navigate the evolving landscape of natural world storytelling.
Wildscreen Industry Summit will bring together industry leading producers, distributors, commissioners, innovators and more from October 20-22 2025 in Bristol, with a hybrid format allowing global participation online.
What will it include?
- Future-Focused Talks: Insights from commissioners, distributors, and producers on emerging trends and industry shifts. - Curated Networking: Dedicated 1-1 meetings, pitching sessions, and career development opportunities. - Practical Workshops: Hands-on skills-development sessions covering key skills such as editing, filming, and storytelling techniques.
¨We are launching the Wildscreen Industry Summit at a critical time for the global wildlife content industry. In a fast-changing, unsettled and ever-evolving industry landscape,?our historical model of gathering our community together every other year at the biennial Wildscreen Festival, is no longer fit for purpose. Our community is seeking year-round leadership, collaboration and bold ideas.
The future-focused Summit will convene the community together?annually?to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a world in flux, gathering together leading producers, distributors, commissioners and cutting-edge innovators in Bristol, the wildlife film and TV content capital of the world, to push the boundaries of the craft and the business that underpins it.¨ - Lucie Muir, Wildscreen CEO
Join Wildscreen on 17th October at the British Library, London, UK or online, for a one-day nature photography symposium featuring a world-class line-up of 14 award-winning nature photographers, sharing the stories, craft and impact behind some of the most iconic recent wildlife photography.
WildPhotos will feature a world-class line-up of 14 award-winning nature photographers, sharing the stories, craft and impact behind some of the most recent iconic wildlife photography.
In partnership with Wildlife Photographer of The Year and kindly supported by Focused on Nature.
Location: Pigott Theatre, British Library, London, UK.
My Role on the Katavi Series – ¨Over several years, I had the privilege of working on the Katavi series during both the dry and rainy seasons, immersed deep in the bush. My primary role involved extensive long-lens cinematography from a vehicle, supported by my incredible local drivers – Naiti and Kahimba – whose tracking skills and instinct in the field were invaluable.
Alongside ground-based filming, I also operated drones to capture aerials and dynamic bird-following shots that helped bring the vastness and drama of Katavi to life from above.
During my time there, I picked up some “kidogot” Swahili, basic tracking techniques, and, more importantly, a profound respect for the land and its rhythms. I filmed intense and emotional wildlife behavior, including dramatic hippo fights, a rare pelican kill, and powerful sequences of infanticide – alongside many other unforgettable moments from this remarkable series.
A highlight of this experience was being mentored and deeply inspired by Owen Prümm – an extraordinary filmmaker, cameraman, and bushman. His passion and presence in the field made this one of the most meaningful and unforgettable chapters in my career.¨ Luana Knipfer
Andreas Fiskeseth – Underwater filmmaker, drone pilot and DP based in Thailand.
Born and raised on the Western coast of Norway, I moved to Thailand at 23 to pursue a career in underwater filmmaking.
I'm a certified PADI Divemaster with 14 years experience and 3000+ ocean camera dives.
I've had the pleasure of working on various films, documentaries and tv-shows for clients such as the BBC, Disney+ & UFC.
Having dived all over Thailand I also offer consultations and location scouting, both for remote and underwater destinations.
I'm also an experienced drone pilot & timelapse photographer and have shot art films, music videos and promo videos.
While I'm experienced shooting with cameras from RED, Sony, & Canon my personal setup consists of a Panasonic Lumix GH7 for underwater – a great rig paired with the right glass.
Also the owner of a DPV rental company so I have access to some very handy DPV setups for underwater filmmaking to create unique images or keep up with fast moving subjects.
Located in Thailand but available to work anywhere. Speak Norwegian and English fluently.
I'm passionate about the ocean and marine conservation and this is reflected in my safe conduct around any subject or reef.
I also have a huge 6K/4K Stock library of mantas, whale sharks, macro, reef, turtles etc.
Wildlife Film Productions inc. – a boutique production company specialized in creating groundbreaking natural history films for audiences worldwide.
Wildlife Film Productions (WFP) was founded by Alex Jones, an Emmy-nominated and Panda award-winning Director of Photography (DOP) who has worked with top broadcasters like Disney, NatGeo, BBC, Netflix, and Apple. With over a decade of experience, Alex is known for his breathtaking macro and long-lens work, creating world-class wildlife films. Initially hired as head DOP on many shows, he quickly became involved in the creative direction and writing, showcasing his storytelling talents beyond the camera. His ability to shape the overall vision of a project adds a unique depth to every production.
Award-winning filmmaker Jaap Perenboom joined Alex after a chance encounter while filming in the jungles of Corcovado, Costa Rica. Their mutual passion for wildlife filmmaking brought them together, and they soon realized they shared the ambition to build a boutique Blue-Chip wildlife film company. With Jaap’s background in both business and filmmaking, he brings a rare combination of business savvy, strategic insight, and hands-on experience as a DOP, perfectly complementing Alex’s creative vision.
United by their love for wildlife and a shared dream to produce top-tier films, Alex and Jaap are building a strong, passionate team. Their collective vision and expertise drive WFP to deliver captivating, high-quality wildlife content that stands out in the industry.
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Plimsoll launches digital division
Ged Mansfield to lead unit focusing on formats and new technologies at A Real Bug’s Life indie
ITV Studios factual producer Plimsoll Productions has launched a digital division to develop digital formats and explore emerging tech.
Leading the division is Ged Mansfield, who will serve as creative director of development and digital, reporting into head of Plimsoll USA Alan Eyres.
Mansfield will oversee Plimsoll Digital’s remit to develop digital formats and explore emerging technologies, looking at responsible uses for generative AI with the aim of empowering creatives and advance storytelling.
The digital division will make use of Plimsoll’s extensive programming archive and unseen footage across natural history, adventure, documentary and factual entertainment.
Mansfield will also work in tandem with ITVS’s nascent digital sibling Zoo 55, which manages Plimsoll’s YouTube presence and Fast channels.
Mansfield had previously served as creative director of development and has been a key force behind many of Plimsoll’s series since 2015 including helping to secure commissions for A Real Bug’s Life (Disney+/National Geographic), Tiny World (Apple TV+), Animal (Netflix) and upcoming series Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters on ITV1.
The Ankara International Wildlife Documentary Film Festival, exclusively dedicated to documentaries about wildlife, and therefore considered “the first of its kind” in Türkiye, was held between the 15-18th of May 2025!
The festival had a packed program, over four days, including documentary film screenings, discussions with film crews, workshops, and seminars.
The festival will included a competition section in which documentary films from around the world were assessed in two categories: feature-length and short films.
The documentary competition within the scope of the Ankara International Wildlife Documentary Film Festival is organised into two categories:
Short Documentary Category - Documentaries with a duration of 20 - 51 minutes including credits Feature Documentary Category - Documentaries with a duration of 52 - 90 minutes including credits
The directors of the winning documentaries received a statuette and a plaque.
Two Special Jury awards were given in each category.
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Documentary
Special Jury Awards – Feature
Special Jury Awards – Short
The finalists were announced on the 10th of February ... the festival organisers said ¨The long-awaited moment has arrived! Many thanks to all the documentary filmmakers who supported us in the first year of our festival and submitted their works. Congratulations to the finalists! We can't wait to see you at the festival!¨
A land of sacred peaks and secret creatures, lost in the mists of time, somewhere between folklore and magic. A land that has challenged conventional notions of wilderness and showcased nature's remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in a new wilderness. This is a story of India's very first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - the Nilgiris - one of Asia´s most intensively studied areas. This is the first feature length documentary about this region, that takes us on a journey of discovery and uncovers the many secrets that makes this region incredibly special.
Wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur is known most recently for his work on “Our Planet” by Netflix and “The Okavango Experience” - a 360 degree, virtual reality series that follows National Geographic Society’s Okavango Project. Kadur creates award-winning wildlife documentary films and photography books exposing the need to conserve threatened species and habitats around the world. His documentary films have aired worldwide on National Geographic, the BBC, Netflix, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet, and have won prestigious international awards, including a 2017 EMMY nomination and the 2017 BAFTA award for his work on BBC “Planet Earth II”.
Wind was the weakest cub in the fox family. By chance, he becomes the only one who survived the bear onslaught. Overcoming the challenges of his first winter, he earns the affection of the enchanting Lava. But spring returns, so do the bears.
Dmitry Shpilenok graduated from Moscow State Art and Cultural University, majoring in film and TV directing. He is a documentary filmmaker, and was the lead operator of the film “Kamchatka Bears - Life Begins” (24 awards, 2018 Golden Eagle award in the category Best Documentary, Russian Geographical Society award in the category Best Media Project). Among his other documentaries are “Saiga - Karma of the Steppes” (2005, 26 min), and “Sockeye Salmon - Red Fish” (2020, 51 min).
A true coming-of-age story about three orphaned desert lion cubs who discovered a most remarkable way of survival along the mystical shores of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. A story as surprising as it is inspiring: a true-life drama about resilience and survival. Documented over eight years, we follow the ground-breaking work of lion researcher Dr Philip Stander as he witnesses the orphaned cubs’ incredible journey, from their first unsteady steps in the heart of the desert, to their remarkable discovery of an extraordinary life along the hostile Skeleton Coast.
After more than a decade in the wildlife and environment television industry, Will and Lianne Steenkamp ventured on their own in 2009 and started on an adventurous journey that brought about character-led, behavioral driven wildlife films with captivating stories. Having received international recognition for their films including two Emmy nominations, Best of Festivals, and multiple awards, they continue to reach wide audiences. Their work has broadcasted worldwide on channels such as BBC, National Geographic, Smithsonian, ORF, Arte, WDR, NDR, RTL and many more.
The documentary explores a border village in North Khorasan where tranquility is shattered by the disappearance of dogs and the fear instilled by a brazen panther. Villagers, instead of taking drastic measures, seek help from environmental authorities and experts. After ten days of struggle, they capture an old panther, shedding light on the mystery behind the dog-eating behavior. However, an unfortunate incident occurs after the panther is transported to Tehran, adding a tragic twist to the story.
Fathollah Amiri, a distinguished Iranian documentary filmmaker, was born in 1981 in Ilam. His passion for art and cinema began at a young age, leading him to Tehran to pursue his studies at the IRIB University where he obtained both a bachelor's and master's degree in cinema. With his impactful and realistic documentaries, he has vividly portrayed the lives of animals, people, diverse cultures, and social issues. His works have been showcased multiple times at prestigious international festivals and have won numerous awards. He is also committed to educating and training the new generation of documentary filmmakers in Iran. Nima Asgari is a graduate of environment and natural resources. He studied filmmaking at the Youth Cinema Association - one of the most prestigious filmmaking associations in Iran. He started his work in 2007 in the Iranian Cheetah Society as a researcher and cinematographer on endangered species, such as the Iranian cheetah. His films are mostly about the relationship between humans and nature, and the effects of humans on the extinction of wildlife species. Nima is now the main member of the Wildlife Pictures Institute. He has made more than 30 films and received numerous awards at international festivals.
“Nika, the Pilot Whale”, is a documentary where Felipe Ravina, documentary filmmaker, scientist and graduate in Marine Sciences, establishes a connection with a pilot whale named Nika, on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands). This unusual bond with the animal makes him increasingly concerned about the current state of the island and its biodiversity. He cries out to heaven for the protection, conservation and defense of the natural spaces and their fauna of this region where the largest population of pilot whales, unique in the world, is found.
José Hernández is a Spanish director and filmmaker and an unconditional lover of the sea. Everything José films bears the stamp of his subtle artistic direction accompanied by powerful visual narratives that give each of his works an exceptional character. With a long professional career behind him linked to advertising work for renowned brands, he made his great debut in the documentary genre with “Iballa” (2021). The autobiographical film has become a banner for the fight for women's equality in sports and won the Silver Viznaga award for best documentary direction at the Malaga Film Festival.
The film sheds light on how even completely destroyed forests, for example after a forest fire, can quickly become an oasis of life. The reason why disturbance and openness of the forest ultimately lead to more life becomes clear when we look at woodland grazing - an ancient form of land use that has long been fought against and is now experiencing a renaissance. An integrative forest management that not only focuses on trees and timber yield, but also on biodiversity, climate and the inclusion of animal products in the harvest… A turning point that marks the preservation of biodiversity?
Jan Haft has written and directed more than 70 wildlife documentaries for televison and 4 theatrical films, and has received 270 awards worldwide. He has published 5 books with Penguin Random House. His current publications address the possibilities of halting the extinction of species and the loss of biodiversity and show how this can be achieved. Together with his wife and his three children he lives on a small farm where they keep water buffalos, horses and donkeys. With these animals they practice rewilding and then document the success of this practice – the return of species and biodiversity.
The inaugural Ankara International Wildlife Film Festival was an huge success ... friendly, well organised and meaningful. We congratulate Ece Soydam for her most excellent festival organising skills and wish her and the festival all the very best for the future!
For more than 30 years, Jackson Wild has been at the forefront of elevating conservation and wildlife storytelling, and fostering collaboration among filmmakers, scientists, conservationists, and the public. With our industry—and the world—facing unprecedented change, the 2025 Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore new storytelling opportunities, understand and shape industry trends, build relationships, hear from influential speakers at the top of our field, and be inspired.
Whether you're a filmmaker, broadcaster, distributor, short-form content creator, digital activist, scientist, or immersive innovator—this is your space and your event. Jackson Wild will deliver four unforgettable days of thought-provoking, genre-defining sessions to elevate your work and its real-world impact.
A powerful convening of creativity, resilience, and diversity in one of the most spectacular and invigorating settings on Earth. It’s time to connect, create, and energize.
Join the festival in person ot virtually, from September 29th - October 3rd 2025
Earlybird registration through April 30 - their biggest discount!
A Life Among Elephants first project from Maradocs label
Channel 4 has picked up the UK premiere of the feature doc A Life Among Elephants, produced by Scottish natural history indie Maramedia. Originally commissioned for ARTE France, the title was the first to be produced by Maramedia’s premium docs label Maradocs when it was established in May last year. Set to air on C4 this Saturday, following theatrical screenings across Europe, the UK and the US, the doc unveils the life and work of celebrated elephant scientist – and founder of Save the Elephants – Iain Douglas-Hamilton, through archive and interviews with his family and renowned figures including Jane Goodall. It is directed by Nigel Pope, executive produced by Jackie Savery and Justin Purefoy and distributed by Munich-based Autentic.
"Octopus!", a nature documentary series featuring Phoebe Waller-Bridge's narration, has garnered mixed reviews from critics.
While some praise its entertainment value, educational content, and unique approach to nature documentaries, others find it a misstep for Waller-Bridge's talents, criticising its manipulative emotional tug and the human element of the story. The series has been praised for its playful tone, informative content about octopuses, and its message about interconnectedness within ecosystems. However, critics have also pointed out the series' potential flaws, such as its emotional manipulation and the lack of depth in exploring the human-octopus relationship.
Octopus! review – Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s ocean documentary is a total waste of her talents
This look at cephalopods is a fun, enlightening tale. But given the Fleabag star’s astonishing gifts, it’s hard not to hope this is merely a stopgap to her next great project ...
A nature documentary on an order of cephalopods is probably not quite what Amazon had in mind in 2019 when it signed television’s hottest writing talent, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, up to a “golden handcuffs” deal worth $100m over five years. But here is Octopus! and quite how or why it came about will probably remain a mystery as deep and unknowable as any eight-armed creature disappearing into the crevices of the ocean floor ahead of a curious camera. More: theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/08/octopus-review-phoebe-waller-bridge-documentary-prime-video
The ‘Fleabag’ star narrates an amusingly unconventional two-part documentary on Prime Video about the remarkable tentacled creatures.
David Attenborough, Peter Coyote and Keith David all have their place among documentary narrators, Mr. Attenborough as concerns the natural world, Messrs. Coyote and David as concerns the world according to Ken Burns. But it’s hard to beat Phoebe Waller-Bridge in “Octopus!” for pure entertainment, quippery, and a voice that wraps around the brain like a tentacle. All educational TV should be so mellifluously amusing.
American broadcast net NBC has unveiled a pair of new unscripted additions to its fall primetime lineup during its advertiser upfront presentation on Monday (May 12).
The eight-episode event docuseries Surviving Earth (pictured), a coproduction between Universal Television Alternative Studio and UK indie Loud Minds, utilizes cutting-edge technology to take viewers back in time to meet the bizarre and amazing creatures and breathtaking landscapes of a vibrant lost world. The series, the latest move from the network into natural history-themed programming following the 10-part docuseries The Americas, examines eight dramatic mass-extinction moments throughout the planet’s history.
Produced in partnership with the Endangered Species Coalition, Welcome Home tells a powerful story of habitat restoration, community action, and what it means to help endangered species return to the places they once called home.
The film was released to the public on Friday, May the 16th, in celebration of Endangered Species Day.
NB. We’re currently developing Diaspora, a new film that follows the endangered Mexican gray wolf and the effort to reconnect it with the habitat it once called home. This story will combine powerful visuals, expert insights, and on-the-ground conservation work to explore what it takes to support the wolves’ return.
We’ve raised a portion of what we need, but there’s still a big gap to close before we can bring this film to life. If you believe in the power of storytelling to protect wild places, I hope you’ll consider making a gift.
Support Diaspora
Thank you for being part of this work. Your support continues to make stories like these possible.
With gratitude,
Alan Lacy
Executive Director
Reel Earth Films
www.reelearthfilms.org
The Earthshot Prize Finalists aren't waiting for change. They're making it.
The world is facing big environmental challenges. But across the globe, our Finalists are stepping up to tackle them head-on.
They’re not waiting for change — they’re making it happen, now.
In their own words
...The Earthshot Prize Finalists share what drives them and why they believe creative thinking and listening to nature can shape a better future.
Across the globe, voices are rising - for our planet and for our future.
These are the gamechangers, the makers, the creatives, the leaders.
They are not waiting for permission.
They’re turning urgency into action, and vision into real, lasting change.
This is the power of #ClimateCreativity.
Over the last ten years, the evidence that we face urgent challenges to protect the environment has become indisputable, and it’s clear that the time to act is now. Drawing inspiration from the concept of moonshots, which since the moon landing in 1969 has become shorthand to talk about the most ambitious and ground-breaking goals, Prince William announced The Earthshot Prize: an ambitious set of challenges to inspire a decade of action to repair the planet.
We believe in the power of human ingenuity to prove to us all that the seemingly impossible is possible.
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Learn more about The Earthshot Prize here: earthshotprize.org
Nat Geo slates June debut for “Underdogs” from EP Ryan Reynolds
National Geographic set a June 15 premiere for the natural history series Underdogs, its high-profile collaboration with actor and producer Ryan Reynolds, which will also be simulcast on ABC and be available for streaming next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Featuring narration from Reynolds, the five-part series (which was first announced in early 2023) turns the spotlight on some of the less majestic denizens of the animal kingdom, who make up for their vulnerabilities, bizarre quirks, questionable parenting skills, even more questionable hygiene and/or graceless mating rituals with hidden talents and surprising superpowers.
Among the “underdogs” getting their chance to shine in the series are the invisible glass frog, the well-nigh-invincible honey badger, the pistol shrimp, the proboscis monkey, the master-of-disguise frogfish, the multi-headed caterpillar, cave-dwelling fungus gnats and flatulent manatees.
Underdogs is produced by Wildstar Films (a Fremantle company) in partnership with Reynolds’ Maximum Effort. Mark Linfield, Vanessa Berlowitz and Dan Rees are the executive producers for Wildstar. For Maximum Effort, the executive producers are Reynolds, George Dewey, Ashley Fox and Patrick Gooing, and the producers are Sophia Travaglia and Molly Milstein. Polly Billam is co-series producer and writer.
For National Geographic, Tracy Rudolph Jackson is executive producer; Janet Han Vissering is SVP, production; Charlie Parsons is SVP, development; Bengt Anderson is executive producer and SVP, unscripted production; and Tom McDonald is EVP, global factual and unscripted content.
The true cost of AI romance: A 4.5-fold increase in emissions in one year
Recall the scene from the film Her (2013) when Theodore meets his AI lover, Samantha, in the cloud and they embark on a romance through endless conversations. While this fantastical story unfolds, there is an element that perhaps few have considered — what is the environmental cost of our growing AI-dependence?
Her remains a work of fiction – for now. But as our reliance on AI grows, so does the technology’s carbon footprint. AI is fueling a very real increase in fossil fuel burning, including coal and gas. Without action from tech corporations like Nvidia, Microsoft and Google, our climate and our lungs will pay the price.
The energy-intensive nature of data centers has sparked widespread discussion. However, when we look at the other side of the story, the GHG emissions from AI chip manufacturing have skyrocketed more than 4.5 times in just one year, from 2023-2024. Even more alarming is that East Asia specifically, is heavily bearing the brunt of this climate crisis, as it sits at the heart of the AI chip supply chain. As the digital revolution accelerates, so too does its hidden environmental cost—along with the return of ineffective solutions—an issue that demands urgent attention.
In East Asia, AI manufacturing is further fueling the climate crisis – for no good reason.
At present, all major AI chips on the market are manufactured in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. The climate impact of the AI supply chain is felt more deeply in East Asia than any other region on the planet.
Unfortunately, the impact is significant. Emissions from AI chip manufacturing skyrocketed more than 4.5 times in just one year, new research from Greenpeace East Asia shows.
The region’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels is creating real problems, meaning that AI chips are being made with dirty energy. For example, 58% of South Korea’s electricity comes from coal, oil, and natural gas, and 83% in Taiwan.
There´s also ¨Animal Pride¨ on The Nature of Things ... Connel Bradwell challenges mainstream biology's blindspots and explores the true diversity of gender and sexuality in nature.
Nat Geo slates retrospective doc “Jaws @ 50” as part of summer ‘Sharkfest’
National Geographic will premiere its new documentary about the making and legacy of the iconic film Jaws on July 10 as one of the main pillars of this year’s ‘Sharkfest’ event.
First announced last summer, Jaws @ 50 is produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films in partnership with Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling, and arrives to mark the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking 1975 blockbuster. Directed by Laurent Bouzereau (Faye, Music by John Williams), the 90-minute doc chronicles how Peter Benchley’s best-selling novel evolved into a cinematic phenomenon, and explores how Jaws continues to resonate in cinema, pop culture and the world of shark conservation to this day..
In new interviews, Jaws helmer Spielberg recounts the famously embattled production of the film — which included immense difficulties brought on by shooting on the open ocean, as well as an infamously malfunctioning mechanical shark — and describes his own post-production PTSD and fears that the film would end his career. The doc also features never-before-seen footage from Spielberg’s and Benchley’s personal archives, including home videos and outtakes.
Taking Bristol's story of connection to nature to Colombia with Wildscreen Festival – Charlotte Sawyer
Wildscreen festival have championed this very Bristol story and are just about to take our message of love and connection to Latin America!
Back in 2024, when I was getting the film ready for a festival run, I was overjoyed to be selected for one of the world’s leading Wildlife festivals and Wildscreen Festival’s forty-second festival. I was even more astounded to receive their Sustainable Merit Award.
This film is about people’s relationship to rivers, the love they have for our precious rivers and how they feel loved back. And then how they fight for them, in very Bristol ways! We build a sustainable world when we are able to connect with it.
Rave On for the Avon was then selected to be part of the Wildscreen Tour screening in Exeter and London as part of London Rivers Week.
And now our story of love and connection to nature is travelling even further afield to Columbia with Wildscreen! I will be travelling to the Andes of Quindío with Wildscreen Festival and the British Council in June. We will screen the film at Cine en las Montañas Festival (Cinema in the Mountains) in Salento, Colombia.
On to Tilburg! What started in 2015 as a Rotterdam film festival has now gained national wings.
After the expansion to Wageningen Wildlife and our successful online edition, another city will be added this year: Tilburg! We are very proud of that.
We will be at the iconic Cinecitta in Tilburg from 19 to 23 November. A selection of the most beautiful and most recent nature films will be shown there.
With WFFR we are reaching and inspiring more and more people! We hope to meet you during the 2025 edition.
Dates edition 2025
We are now in full preparation for the 2025 edition. The selection committee is watching the submitted films from all over the world day and night. An initial response from the committee is promising. It will be another fantastic program with the most beautiful and most recent films about nature.
Put these dates in your agenda:
Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam: 3-9 Nov ’25
WFFR Local: 1 Oct - 9 Nov ’25
Wildlife Wageningen: 12-16 Nov ’25
Wildlife Tilburg: 19-23 Nov ’25
WFFR Online: 4 Nov - 5 Dec ’25
Come to WFFR with your class
What you learn when you’re young, you’ll do when you’re old! Let your students experience the beauty of nature. Register for the WFFR 2025 school performances! The WFFR school program lets primary and secondary school students experience the beauty of nature through (short) nature films and an interactive conversation.
The WSF Botswana programme will address topics from business, to scriptwriting, to cinematography, to pitching for funding.
We’re hoping to leave you with a wealth of knowledge to build your career in Natural World Storytelling and Wildlife Filmmaking.
Featuring eight informative panel discussions and masterclasses and three engaging 20-minute lightning talks, the festival aims to equip you with the tools needed to progress in the industry. Together, they will dive into insightful topics, including:
Participatory Storytelling
Platforming storytellers that seek to include and work with indigenous communities at the heart of their storytelling, within the narrative, alongside the production of, and looking into the future legacy. How can storytellers manage these relationships, making the partnership and participation fair, inclusive, impactful and ethical.
Mastering the art of Development
How do you turn your idea and story into a killer treatment? What makes a good idea into a great film? And do you come up with a golden idea in the first place? In this session we dig deep into development to get to the root of why some ideas become amazing films and some just don’t cut it.
Pitching, Feedback and Funding
You've got the idea, you've got the treatment, it's looking great, what next? How do you take your idea into pitching. How do you apply valuable feedback to hone this even further, where do you take it and how do you secure funding.
Starting Out: Breaking Barriers and Getting Good
Where do you even begin? How do you break into this industry? What are the myths that need debunking, and what are the realities, the good, the bad and the ugly, of working in wildlife filmmaking and natural world storytelling!
50 years in 50 seconds is a visual representation of how a familiar Scottish landscape might develop over half a century, with reduced grazing pressure. As time unfolds, native woodlands expand, natural processes return and biodiversity flourishes as new habitats appear.
The exact nature and extent of change depends on many factors, but the transformation from a simplified landscape into something more complex and productive, is likely to apply to many upland areas across Scotland.
This sequence is part of The Fiadh Project, which seeks to encourage a new measure for successful deer management, which places greater emphasis on the recovery of ecological systems
On the 8th of May 2025, our most celebrated natural history broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough, celebrated his 99th birthday!
The broadcaster and naturalist first appeared on our screens more than 70 years ago. He has had a huge impact on the natural world and has played a significant role in inspiring the next generations of conservationists.
Of course there was plenty of news coverage:
Attenborough at 99 delivers 'greatest message he's ever told'
Sir David Attenborough is launching what he says is one of the most important films of his career as he enters his hundredth year.
He believes his new, cinema-length film Ocean could play a decisive role in saving biodiversity and protecting the planet from climate change.
Sir David, who will be 99 on Thursday, says: "After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea."
The ocean is the planet's support system and humanity's greatest ally against climate catastrophe, the film argues. It shows how the world's oceans are at a crossroads. The blue carpet was rolled out for the premiere the Royal Festival Hall in London. In attendance was the King, told Sir David he "can't believe" his 99th birthday was on Thursday.
OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. Book Tickets: www.oceanfilm.net
Nine facts about Sir David Attenborough as he turns ninety-nine
He first appeared on TV in 1954 – Over the past seven decades, Sir David has hosted many different series looking at the natural world, but where did it all begin?
After starting his career at the BBC, he presented a programme in 1954 called Zoo Quest.
It involved filming animals in captivity and in the wild and launched Sir David's career as a wildlife presenter.
The series brought rare animals - including chimpanzees, pythons and birds of paradise - into living rooms around the UK.
It was considered the most popular wildlife program of its time and proved that wildlife programmes could attract big audiences.
Throughout his 70 years in broadcasting, Sir David Attenborough has helped created some truly remarkable moments. Here are 99 of his wildlife scenes, ranging from breathtaking hunts to touching moments:
Happy birthday, David Attenborough! 99 ways he has inspired us, by Barack Obama, Billie Eilish, Morgan Freeman – and many more
The Guardian asked 99 nature lovers – including Margaret Atwood, Jane Fonda, Bono, Kate Winslet and Michael Palin – how he has helped us see the world with fresh eyes
Chris Packham Presenter, nature activist – It’s all about truth. Ask yourself, “Has David ever knowingly lied to me?” No, never. He may have told us things 40 years ago that science has updated, but he’s always told us the truth. In an age when it’s hard to trust anyone, that stands as his greatest asset.
Dr Paula Kahumbu Conservationist, WildlifeDirect CEO – Through him, I discovered the power of storytelling to move entire nations to love, care and act to protect nature. He inspired me to tell African stories through African eyes, transforming conservation outcomes.
Also see ¨David Attenborough at the BBC¨: canvas-story.bbcrewind.co.uk/attenborough70 Since 1954 the legendary documentary maker has been working with the BBC on some of the biggest and best-known natural history series on television. To mark more than 70 years in broadcasting, BBC History and BBC Archives have teamed up to celebrate his life in filmmaking.
Happy Birthday Sir David!
Welcome to our Newest Full Members!
Olivier Mercier – a Camera Operator/DOP based in the French Alps.
He says: "I specialize in creating wildlife content with a focus on Alpine animals.
My experience also extends to projects in the United States, Africa, and New Zealand.
DOP on Grand Canyon doc for Arte, directed by Grégory Maitre.
Footage provider for multiple TV project (Nat Geographic, France TV, Arte, etc..)
Director and camera operator and editor for multiple corporate videos.
Sony Alpha 7SIII & Alpha 7 III. Drone DJI AIR 2S. Jib, gimbal, lavalier mic and more!
Native French speaker and I can work in English.
I have a work visa for the USA, valid until July 2029."
We focus in documentary making on land and underwater, we do high speed, infrared and thermal filming. We can also help as fixers in Cyprus and Greece.
Victoria Clarke – an Australia-based Presenter/Host/Narrator
Victoria is a freelance television presenter, broadcaster, science communicator and narrator for documentaries and television series specialising in wildlife, science, natural history and adventure/travel.
She studied a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at the University of Queensland, which she paired with formal training in television presenting and communications, and has since combined the two fields as a host for wildlife and natural history media.
Her work as a wildlife presenter has taken her to many interesting and remote places in the natural world, and she is an avid traveller and adventurer.
Victoria believes in the power of storytelling, and it's her objective to share information about our planet, and the scientific discoveries made here, to the wider community through compelling, entertaining and accurate stories.
Victoria knows that through the art of nature filmmaking, the importance of conservation and exposure to the beauty of the natural world can be truly understood and appreciated.
Massimiliano (Max) Finzi – a Marine Supervisor – Assistant Underwater Camera – Water Safety Diver
Max is a professional Marine Supervisor and Safety diver in Media, Film and HATV at Netflix, Prime, Lionsgate, Disney, BBC amongst others.
Based in both the UK (Devon) and Italy.
He says" "I have great experience in water diving safety. I am a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, an SSI Divemaster Instructor and the HSE Scuba L.4 and I’m also Instructor of many diving specialties; I’m an underwater camera assistant and also operate independently. I also have experience of training cast and crew in scuba diving to facilitate underwater sequences.
I have done over 10,000 dives in extremely different places and locations such as sea, ocean, river, altitude, lake, caves, under ice, deep and wrecks using all different equipments; I have worked as a dive instructor and dive manager for 21 years and in the last 5 as part of a team in the Marine department in film and TV.
Before becoming a diver in 1996 I was a studio still-life photographer a profession that I brought with me underwater;
I have the Gates STO (Setup/Test/Operate) certification made by Esprit Film; RYA PowerBoat L2, VHF Radio Operator, Day skipper.
I also have the IRATA Rope Access certification L1 and A1/A3 Drone open category.
All3Media International has partnered with Oxford Scientific Films and Aranya Parva Creations to bring the new wildlife documentary My Otter Diary (1 x 60 min.) to the global market.
Filmed over five years, the doc follows wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer Sugandhi Gadadhar as she studies the playful and resilient lives of an otter family residing in one of India’s most rapidly changing waterways, the Cauvery River (also known as Kaveri River), where she spent her childhood.
My Otter Diary was commissioned by Arte, and is produced in association with All3Media International, which will be handling international distribution. Raghunath “Rana” Belur serves as producer for Aranya Parva Creations, and the executive producers for Oxford Scientific Films are Caroline Hawkins and Helen Conlan.
"Best Documentary 2024" - 'CHRISTSPIRACY' is now FREE to watch online.
It started with a question we weren't supposed to ask...
What Would Jesus Do? Kill?
Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret is a thrilling, eye-opening documentary revealing the most explosive cover-up in 2,000 years.
As two fearless filmmakers journey across the world, they unravel a hidden conspiracy that has twisted sacred teachings, manipulated religions, and deceived humanity for centuries. With the stakes higher than ever, they expose the powerful forces that have shaped our beliefs and betrayed the core principles of truth, compassion, and freedom that lie at the heart of every spiritual path.
This is the documentary they don't want you to see—will you dare to uncover the truth?
Watch for FREE on the website, and you can also Pay it Forward to allow anyone in the world to watch Christspiracy.
The film-makers say "Everyone must see this film, but not everyone can afford to pay. That’s where you come in.
Our original streaming partner demanded we redact key information from the film, which took seven years and over a million dollars to produce. After boldly buying our film rights back, and creating this independent platform, Christspiracy is now freely accessible and uncensored. We intend to keep it this way, but we cannot do it alone."
Thousands of people join the Animal Save Movement on their animal vigils each year and are changed forever. And millions more see the vigils through the mass media and social media..
Earlier this year, TV presenter Jurre Geluk from the Dutch TV show Voorvechters joined a pig vigil in Boxtel. As he arrives, Jurre confesses that he really likes meat, and admits he’s never met a pig.
Everything changes the moment he looks into the eyes of pigs crammed into trucks, moments before slaughter. He offers them water. He gently comforts them. And then he breaks down. “I just saw those pigs… I feel really bad,” he says, tears rolling down his face. He stops eating animals that very day, calling what he witnessed “hell on earth.”
Support pig vigils across the globe
The truth is, more people want to bear witness. But we need more resources to support our chapters and increase the number of animal vigils. When animals pass through slaughterhouse gates we don’t want this tragedy to happen without a single person there to say, “You are seen.”
Help us bear witness, speak truth, and grow this powerful movement of love in action.
Humanely Raised? Investigating Meat Label Claims and the Reality of USDA Oversight
How Easy Is It to Get a Humane Label for Meat? The government agency tasked with oversight doesn’t require much.
Very A growing number of consumers who care about animal welfare are seeking out meat and dairy with a “humanely raised” label — but how easy is that label to obtain?
Planting Change: A story about Health, Food, and the Planet
Planting Change, a Beyond Meat original, brings together medical professionals, climate change advocates, farmers, and food experts to highlight the power of plant-
based eating to improve our health, and the health of the planet.
Planting Change gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look on how the meat industry has worked to undermine the plant-based movement, fuelling fear and misinformation about plant-based meats. The documentary challenges these tactics head-on and reveals the deeper impact of industrial animal agriculture on our health and planet. It also highlights a hopeful shift: how plant-based food innovators are rising to the challenge, creating even healthier and more sustainable products to meet the moment toward a more sustainable, health-focused food system..
Would you like to participate in a "first of its kind" festival in Türkiye?
We set out to organize a brand new festival to attract national and international attention to Anatolia's wildlife, contribute to nature conservation efforts and support the development of wildlife documentary filmmaking.
The first of the Ankara International Wildlife Documentary Film Festival will take place in the capital city of Ankara between May 15 - 18, 2025. Over four days, we will present a rich program filled with documentary film screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, workshops, and seminars.
The festival, where wildlife filmmakers from different countries will have the chance to meet with the Turkish audience and filmmakers, will also host a competition.
Submissions to the festival opened on July 1st, 2024 through filmfreeway.com! We invite all wildlife filmmakers from Türkiye and across the globe to submit their films to the festival.
We look forward to welcoming you to our soon-to-be-launched website…
Festival Founder and President,
Ece Soydam
Highly endowed awards await the winning films in six categories:
Best European Film: Wildlife
Best European Film: Biodiversity
Best European Film: Nature Conservation
Audience Award
Best Story
Best Short Film
The first award ceremony will take place February 15th 2025.
All selected films will screen at the EWFA´s very own theatre in the ´Botschaft der Wildtiere´ (Wildlife Embassy) in Hamburg HafenCity over the course of the following year.
Our course is hosted by
industry professionals including
experienced naturalists, trackers, impact producers, cinematographers and natural
history editors to help you create your own story.
What’s included:
6 weeks of immersive training;
Live in the Timbavati Big 5 Game
Reserve;
Daily safaris to ethically film wildlife;
Use industry standard film equipment;
Small groups of up to maximum 8
participants;
Dedicated 1-2-1 mentoring;
A panoramic teaching style with expert
mentors;
Learn basic tracking skills and insights into animal behaviour;
Build your own showreel and wildlife documentary short;
As a full member of the site, you get a listing in all appropriate sections, a profile page and priority on your news across the site, this newsletter and our social media accounts.
Membership fees help to keep the site going too ... Your support is much-needed! Hoping to relaunch the site this year ... Updated for the new decade ... Will be looking for help from all over the world!!
Since the late 1990s Wildlife-film.com has been the leading source of information for the wildlife filmmaking industry worldwide. For over twenty years the site has been Google's number one ranking site for 'wildlife film' and related searches. Our site is viewed in over 195 countries. Our newsletter, Wildlife Film News, is read every month by thousands of people involved in wildlife filmmaking - from broadcasters and producers, to cameramen - we encourage readers to submit their news. We also serve as an online resource for industry professionals and services. Find producers, editors, presenters and more in our Freelancer section, and find out about festivals, training and conservation in Organisations. We encourage amateur and professional freelancers to join our network and welcome all wildlife-film related organisations to join our team.
