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 Impact Film
Awarded to films that drive meaningful change by raising awareness, inspiring action on critical environmental and conservation issues. The winning film should demonstrate a strong message, call to action, compelling storytelling, and measurable impact on its audience.
Submission fee: USD 18 (early bird), USD 22 (regular)
Criteria:
- Runtime: Under 20 minutes - Must be a documentary - Must address an environmental, conservation, or sustainability issue with a clear call to action - Include a short description of how the film has made an impact on communities that participated in the film or as a result of the film.
4. Best Ocean Short Film
Honoring films dedicated to marine life, ocean conservation, and the mysteries of the underwater world.
Submission fee: USD 18 (early bird), USD 22 (regular)
Criteria:
- Runtime: Under 40 minutes - Must focus on marine environments
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. Best Southeast Asian Nature and Environmental Film
Celebrating films that highlight South East Asian unique biodiversity, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Films made about Singapore will be prioritised.
Submission fee: USD 18 (early bird), USD 22 (regular)
Criteria:
- Open to short films under 40min - Must focus on Southeast Asia's natural environment showcasing its local biodiversity and landscape.
Other Categories
Open to short & feature length films. Submission fee: USD 12 (early bird), USD 17 (regular) 7. 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. 8. 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). 9. 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). 10. 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). 11. Audience choice awards (No submission fee required) - This award is determined by festival attendees, who vote for their favorite film screened during the Earth In Focus Singapore Nature Film Festival. Automatically considered if accepted into the festival
COMPETITION RULES
Earth in Focus Singapore Nature Film Festival Competition begins at 12:00 AM (SGT) on 1st May, 2025,
and closes at 11:59 PM (SGT) on 30th June, 2025.
Winners will be notified latest by mid-September 2025.
Enter
Early Bird Submission: 12:00 AM (SGT) 1st May, 2025 - 23:59 PM (SGT) 31st May, 2025
Regular Submission: 12:00 AM (SGT) 1st Jun, 2025 - 23:59 PM (SGT) 30th Jun, 2025
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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 2025.
Eligibility
The Earth In Focus Singapore Nature Film Festival 2025 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.
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Films need to be completed on or after 1st January 2024.
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. All entries must be either in English or have English subtitles. Dialogue lists will not be accepted. 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 (MP4, MOV) 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. 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. Films are reviewed as they are submitted. If your film is selected for the festival, you may receive early notification with further instructions. All competitive film categories are judged during the festival. Films selected will be notified by mid-September 2025
Submission Fees
Each submission must be accompanied by the appropriate submission fee.
Submission fees are non-refundable and cover registration, programming review, and notification of results.
Fees must be paid via Film Freeway using an accepted payment method.
AWARDS
​1. Best Feature Documentary
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2. Best Short Documentary
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3. Best Impact Film
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4. Best Ocean Short Film
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5. Best Student Film
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6. Best Southeast Asian Nature & Environmental Film
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7. Other categories
Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Writing, Best Sound & Music, Audience Choice Awards
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Winner of the first 6 categories will receive prizes (to be announced) + digital laurel + a certificate
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1st & 2nd Runner Up of each of the first 6 categories will receive a digital official nomination laurel and a certificate.
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Screening of the winning films will take place at the festival (maybe physical or online)
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Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony held in Singapore on Saturday, 1 November 2025. A trophy, and a certificate with laurel will be presented to the nominated representative of the winning production. Any postage/shipping costs related to the prizes are to be borne by the winners
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Winners are expected to arrange their own travel and accommodation to the festival at their own expense.