FILM
Earth in Focus Nature Film Award
CATEGORIES
1. Best Feature Documentary
This category honors outstanding feature-length documentaries (40 minutes or more) that present compelling stories about nature, wildlife, or environmental issues.
Submission Fee: USD 33 (early bird) , USD 44 (regular)
Criteria:
- Runtime: Minimum 40 minutes - Must be a documentary (no fictional elements) - Any language (non-English films must include English subtitles)
2. Best Short Documentary
​For impactful short documentaries (under 40 minutes) that explore nature, conservation, or environmental themes in a concise yet powerful way.
Submission fee: USD 18 (early bird), USD 22 (regular)
Criteria:
- Runtime: Under 40 minutes - Must be a documentary - Any language (English subtitles required for non-English films)
3. Best Artistic Film
Films that transcends traditional genres to explore the emotional "why" of environmentalism through animation and experimental narrative. Reimagine our kinship with the Earth through visionary, poetic storytelling. We invite films that bridge the gap between the human heart and the wild.
Submission fee: USD 18 (early bird), USD 22 (regular)
Criteria:
- Runtime: Under 40 minutes - Must be a documentary - Must have themes of environmental protection, sustainability, or biodiversity, but explores it in a way that departs from the traditional documentary format. Some genres could include (but are not limited to): • Eco-horror • Animation • Wildlife Comedy • Wildlife Love Stories - Open to all forms of animation and experimental live-action. - Films should not promote any misinformation. - Any language (English subtitles required for non-English films)
4. Best Climate Film
Highlighting the pressing global climate crises caused by humankind’s colonisation of the earth, these films should showcase the different perspectives of the causes and effects of climate change, and how we are working to solve it.
Submission fee: USD 18 (early bird), USD 22 (regular)
Criteria:
- Runtime: No runtime limit - Must address a climate change issue - Any language (English subtitles required for non-English films)
5. Best Student Film
Encouraging young filmmakers to showcase their storytelling skills and passion for nature.
Submission fee: USD 5
Criteria:
- Open to short films less than 10min - Must be created by a student (proof of enrollment required)
6. Craft Segment
Open to short & feature length films.
Submission fee: USD 12 (early bird), USD 17 (regular)
Criteria:
Best Cinematography Recognizing breathtaking cinematography that captures nature’s beauty with exceptional camera work, lighting, and composition. Must emphasize strong visual storytelling . Submissions must credit the director of photography and additional camera crew. Best Editing This category recognizes exceptional editing that enhances storytelling, pacing, and emotional impact in a nature or environmental film. Judges will evaluate the seamless integration of footage, rhythm, transitions, and overall narrative flow. Editing should play a significant role in shaping the film’s story. Submissions must credit the lead editor(s). Best Writing (Narration & Script) Honoring outstanding writing in nature filmmaking, including narration, voiceovers, and scripted storytelling that brings depth, clarity, and emotion to the film. The film must contain narration, voiceover, or a written script as a key element. Submissions must credit the scriptwriter(s). Best Sound & Music Recognizing excellence in sound design, natural sound recording, and original or curated music that enhances the storytelling and emotional connection to nature. Films will be judged on sound clarity, ambiance, and music integration. Submissions must credit the sound designer(s) and/or composer(s).
COMPETITION RULES
Earth in Focus Singapore Nature Film Festival Competition begins at 12:00 AM (GMT+8), 1 April 2026, and closes at 11:59 PM (GMT+8), 30 June 2026.
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Winners will be notified latest by 15 September 2026.
Enter
Early Bird Submission: 12:00 AM (GMT+8), 1 April 2026 - 23:59 PM (GMT+8), 30 April 2026
Regular Submission: 12:00 AM (GMT+8), 1 May 2026 - 23:59 PM (GMT+8), 30 June 2026
​To avoid delays, DO NOT WAIT until the final days of the contest to enter. The large number of entrants trying to send in their films just before the deadline may overwhelm servers and prevent you from completing your entry to Earth In Focus Singapore Nature Film Festival 2026.
Eligibility
The Earth In Focus Singapore Nature Film Festival 2026 Competition is open to all filmmakers.
By participating, you accept all terms and conditions, and you warrant that you meet all eligibility requirements. The Participant warrants that their entry is original and does not infringe on any third party’s rights. If a third party is involved, the Participant is responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions from the third party and/or the third party’s property if it appears in the film. Members of the festival organizing committee and/or their immediate family members, as well as their sponsors will not be eligible for the competition.
​Films need to be completed on or after 1 January 2025, with the exception of the Imaginative/Artistic category which has no restrictions.
Films previously submitted to Earth in Focus: Singapore Nature Film Festival are NOT eligible for reconsideration. Feature-length films that are publicly available online are not eligible. Films shown at private screenings (for crew, investors, etc.) but not publicly distributed remain eligible. Ensure your film aligns with the festival’s themes, such as conservation, biodiversity, and climate change. Entrants confirm and warrant that they have the legal authority to submit the film and have obtained all necessary rights for music, images, and content used in the film. The festival reserves the right to change event dates and submission deadlines if necessary. Films that were shortlisted in previous years will not be eligible for this year’s competition. The total runtime of the film, including opening and closing credits, must be within the duration limits specified for the submission category. Winning and shortlisted films grant the festival the right to screen their films publicly or make them available for online viewing as part of festival-related programming.
Submission Guidelines
All submissions must be made via Film Freeway. No other submission platforms will be accepted.
Only complete entries (including fee payment and working screener) will be considered. Check submission deadlines and submit your film well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues. To qualify for student entry fee rates, entrants must provide proof of student status at the time of production (e.g., student ID, transcript). Meet technical requirements by following the required video format (DCP) and resolution (HD, 4K). Ensure proper frame rates, audio levels, and aspect ratios. Clear copyright and permissions: Entrants must secure rights for all visuals, music, and narration in their films. Any featured people or organizations must have the necessary releases. Provide a compelling synopsis (both short and long), along with filmmaker bios, high-resolution stills, and a trailer if required. Include any additional supporting materials specific to your submission category (e.g., student ID for the Best Student Film category).
Subtitles & Translations
All non-English films must have English subtitles.
Subtitles should be accurate, well-timed, and properly formatted.
Shipping
The cost of shipping any physical materials to the festival (if requested) must be covered by the entrant. Collect or COD shipments will not be accepted. All international shipments must be sent with transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the sender.
Judging & Selection
Films are selected by the festival’s programming committee. If a film is selected, the entrant will be notified by email by 15 September 2026. The festival does not provide feedback or screening notes for films that are not selected.
The festival reserves the right to change event dates and notification deadlines. Preliminary judging will commence between 1 July 2026 - 31 July 2026. Final judging will commence between 1 August 2026 - 25 August 2026. If your film is selected for the festival, you may receive early notification with further instructions. All selected films will have to submit their films in Digital Cinema Package (DCP) format by 1 October 2026 if not already done so during the selection process.
Submission Fees
Each submission must be accompanied by the appropriate submission fee.
Submission fees are non-refundable and cover egistration, programming review, and notification of results.
Fees must be paid via Film Freeway using an accepted payment method.
JURY
Jacqueline Farmer
Ignacio Walker
Aishwarya Sridhar
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Chris Annadorai
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Julie Busse
Angel Morris
AWARDS
​1. Best Feature Documentary
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2. Best Short Documentary
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3. Best Artistic Film
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4. Best Climate Film
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5. Best Student Film
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6. Crafts Segment​​
Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Writing (Narration & Script), Best Sound & Music​​​
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