We are proud to join the United Nations International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences in driving global engagement and inspiring cooperation to safeguard glaciers—because the choices we make today will shape the future of glaciers, watersheds, and people for generations to come.

Why glaciers, why now?
Glaciers are more than majestic landscapes—they are vital reservoirs of fresh water, regulators of global climate, and lifelines for ecosystems and communities downstream. Yet, they are melting at unprecedented rates.

Their loss threatens drinking water, food security, energy systems, global ecosystems and the cultural and spiritual heritage of countless communities, especially indigenous and mountain peoples. Glaciers are among the most visible indicators of climate change, reminding us that the time to act is now.

This competition invites you to explore profound questions and tell stories that matter:

Can we preserve a glacier?
While we cannot “freeze time,” we can take steps to reduce emissions, restore damaged watersheds, and manage water resources in ways that slow glacier retreat and preserve their critical functions.
What are the steps to protect glaciers?
From local to global action: cutting greenhouse gas emissions, protecting mountain and watershed ecosystems, supporting indigenous knowledge, advancing glacier monitoring, and strengthening international cooperation.
What are the effects of melting glaciers: past and present?
Melting glaciers have shaped landscapes and cultures for millennia. Today, they threaten water security, increase the risk of floods and droughts, disrupt ecosystems, and contribute to rising sea levels, impacting us all.

The power of water, science, and film
Science helps us understand what’s happening to glaciers; water connects us all, and film has the power to turn insight into action. With the Stories from the Cryosphere Short Film Competition, we aim to create a global conversation that moves from knowledge to solutions, from despair to hope.

Selected films will be featured in international screenings and online events, as well as included on the water and film virtual gallery, bringing your voice into a worldwide dialogue on glaciers’ preservation.

Awards & Prizes

Award Winner USD$ 3,000
Second Place USD$ 2,000
Third Place USD$ 1,000
Finalist (3) USD$ 1,000
Honorable Mention (2) USD$ 1,000

Rules & Terms

We invite you to submit 3 to 5-minute short films - documentary, animation, fiction,
experimental - that tell compelling stories about glaciers, water, and resilience.

Length: 3-5 minutes

Language: Films must be in English or include English subtitles (for subtitles, please use shadowed or outlined characters, not stripes or backgrounds).

Quality/Files:
The files must be provided with a high bit rate, in Full HD (1920×1080), 2K
or 4K. Files should be in one of the following formats: .mp4, .mov or .MXF

Completion Date: Films should have been completed no earlier than January 1, 2024. Retrospectives or historical works may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Premiere Status: Preference will be given to World Premiere films that have not
premiered elsewhere (including online platforms, other festivals, or public screenings). If your film has had limited screenings, please provide details in your submission.

Accessibility: Open captioning is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. If your film
includes captions, please indicate this in your submission.

Online Submission: All submissions must be made and uploaded through FilmFreeway, not linked to YouTube or Vimeo.

Online Submission:
All submissions must be made and uploaded through Filmfreeway, not linked on YouTube or Vimeo.

Submissions are free of charge.

Deadlines:

Opening date: 06 June 2025
Closing date: 20 January 2026

The winners will be announced on 19 March 2026.

Required Materials:

Film link
Film title, director’s name, running time, year of production, and contact information
Brief synopsis (max 200 words)
Short description of how your film addresses glaciers preservation and/or knowledge for solutions.
In case of preselection for the prize, contestants will be notified and must send within 14 days: a “clean” copy of the film, with no burned subtitles, marks, nor watermarks, and the film script in English.
Optional: Press kit, poster, or stills

Terms and Conditions
Eligibility:
By submitting your film, you confirm that you hold all necessary rights to the work, including music, footage, and other copyrighted materials. You also grant Let’s Talk About Water (LTAW) the right to screen your film during the LTAW festival and related events.
Premiere Requirement:
We prioritize films that have not premiered anywhere else, including online platforms, other festivals, or public screenings. If your film is selected, you agree not to screen it publicly prior to its premiere at the 3rd Let’s Talk About Water Film Festival Paris, France at the Cinema Le Mac Mahon, Paris, France.
Promotional Use:
By submitting your film, you grant the festival the right to use excerpts, stills, and promotional materials for marketing purposes across all media platforms, including print, broadcast, and online.
Third-Party Rights:
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary clearances, releases, and permissions for any third-party materials used in your film. The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that infringes on copyright or other intellectual property rights.
Limitation of Liability:
The short film competition organizers are not responsible for any technical issues, delays, or damages arising from the submission process. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the festival reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the event.
Indemnification:
Submitters agree to indemnify and hold harmless the short film competition organizers and partners from any claims, liabilities, or damages arising from their participation in the festival.
About the Organizers

Let’s Talk about Water (LTAW) is a global platform that for 20 years has used the power of film to bridge the gap between scientists, policy makers and the public, creating vital dialogue about water challenges and solutions across the globe.