About Southern African Climate Change Film Festival (SACCFF)

When it comes to the severe impacts of climate change, Southern Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions on our planet. On a daily basis, these extreme effects are threatening lives, livelihoods, economies, food and energy security, agriculture, wildlife, biodiversity, health, tourism and infrastructure among others.
Organised by Johannesburg-based registered non profit company, Southern Africa Climate Forum, SACCFF is an online event seeking to showcase a broad range of bold, insightful and in-depth documentary films that explore the wide spectrum of climate change and issues of environment in Southern Africa and the rest of the planet. Our mission is to use a wide-ranging top drawer select of compelling and eye-opening documentary films, both feature-length and shorts as tools to advocate a decarbonised region, lobby and raise awareness. Equally, we also aim to use the platform to connect Southern African policymakers, business, climate experts, activists, filmmakers and vulnerable communities through open and pragmatic panel discussions, capacity building workshops and outreach programmes in order to empower and find sustainable and urgent solutions for the collective sub continent.

Awards & Prizes


All accepted entries will automatically be in competition for the following awards which come with a US$500 cash prize, a festival trophy and a certificate

SACCFF Best Feature Documentary Award

SACCFF Best Short Documentary Award

SACCFF Best Advocacy Documentary Award

SACCFF Best Audience Choice Documentary Award

Rules & Terms


Our 2022 Film Guides

1. Feature Films
A) Your documentary film in this category must be over 40 minutes in length.

B) We accept both both premiers and films that have screened elsewhere and were completed between 2019 and 2022

C) We do not accept trailers or rough assemblies, but will accept work-in-progress cuts (picture lock with temp sound, color, etc.) Please be aware we will not screen multiple updates/versions of your film for programming consideration.

D) Please submit your application when you are ready to send your film in the most complete and finished form possible, as we will only watch the first cut submitted.

D) All feature-length films must be submitted via a secure URL link. Please note, if you change your submission link or any of your login information prior to March 2022 without contacting us, your film may become ineligible for consideration.

Short Documentary Films

A) Your documentary film must be under 40 minutes in length.

B) Your project must have been completed in between 2019 and 2022

C) We do not accept trailers or rough assemblies, but will accept work-in-progress cuts (picture lock with temp sound, color, etc.) Please be aware that we will not screen multiple updates/versions of your film for programming consideration.

D) Please submit your application when you are ready to send your film in the most complete and finished form possible, as we will only watch the first cut submitted.

3. We accept all documentary films on climate change from around the world and from Africa and Southern Africa. Our emphasis is on quality and content of the film. Make sure you send us your best.

4. Every documentary accepted into the festival will be legible for our competition but only the best will be shortlisted for the final range of prizes.

5. By submitting your film, you are giving us the permission to screen your film online and to our audiences during the duration of the festival.

6. Any independent jury will make the final decision on which films would be shortlisted and which ones will win prizes.