Peace Garden Project is now accepting submissions for the 3rd Annual Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival to be held in Manteo, NC from October 31- November 2, 2025.
We want Environmental stories; Because our environments are both natural and built environments, you are encouraged to let your imagination run wild. Our natural and built environments are composed of so many things. The natural world is central to our environments, and so are people. Don’t forget to tell the stories of people. We have included a category called Highlighting Hidden Stories. We want to hear/experience the stories that haven’t been told. We all benefit when hidden stories are told. We believe that by telling Environmental Stories, we are making the world better for all of its inhabitants. If you have a compelling story, we want to hear it!
At the Peace Garden Project (PGP), our work is at the intersection of justice issues. We recognize the environmental injustices heaped upon Black and Indigenous people and have included categories to highlight the stories of Black and Indigenous people, because we want to make sure these stories continue to be told.
We recognize the challenges that all artists can have in traveling to film festivals. A number of entrants whose films are selected for the festival will have their lodging taken care of though a generous donation from one of our sponsors.
Filmmakers winning top awards in each category will have the opportunity to connect with Environmental and Film Industry professionals.
The best film will be selected in each category and filmmakers can submit their film (short/feature/animated) for consideration in the festival via FilmFreeway in the following categories:
Narrative Film
Documentary Film
Highlighting Hidden Stories
Best Film by an Indigenous Filmmaker
Best Film by a Black Filmmaker
Outer Banks
Religion/Spirituality and the Environment
Emerging Filmmaker
International
Submission deadlines are:
May 1st, Early Bird
June 1st, Regular Deadline
July 1st, Late Entries
Filmmakers will be notified of their acceptance into the festival not later than September 15, 2023.
The Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival events will take place in Downtown Manteo.
Peace Garden Project is a 501 (c)(3) focused on environmental justice and food justice, while engaging the intersectionality of the justice issues present in our society. Any proceeds from this festival will be used by the Peace Garden Project to continue the work of food equity and environmental justice in communities.
The Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival is sponsored by Dare Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.
This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
For more information about these events, contact Michelle Lewis at (929) 266-3775 email: Peacegardenprj@gmail.com or visit Peacegardenproject.net.
Narrative Feature Award
Best Documentary Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Hidden Story Film
Best Film by an Indigenous Filmmaker
Best Film By a Black Filmmaker
Best Outer Banks Film
Best Spirituality/Religion/Environment Film
International Film
All award winners will receive a special artisan-made OBXEFF Statue Award. Small cash awards will be provided to all winners.