👉 Festival data: 4 - 10 Nov 2024
👉 Type of films: Wildlife, Conservation and Environmental

Entries must have a central focus on non-domesticated wildlife species, natural habitats, conservation or the environment. They demonstrate the beauty of nature and raise awareness about the collective responsibility we have to maintain it.

Filmmakers from anywhere in the world can participate. WFFR welcomes (independent) filmmakers, production companies, distributors or broadcasters to submit their latest film(s).

WFFR is also the meeting place for the wildlife film industry in The Netherlands. We are known for a friendly and informal atmosphere where all our guests feel at home. Here you can meet (or catch-up with) other film professionals during the Industry Days (8 & 9 November) where you can participate in workshops, round the table sessions and lots of other (network) events.

The festival program offers public screenings during these six days at Cinerama Movie Theatre that is located downtown Rotterdam. WFFR also takes place online. All participated films in the online part are geoblocked for The Netherlands only.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
👉 1 May - Submission Deadline
👉 15 Jul - Film Selections & Nominations announced
👉 15 Sep - Festival timetable announced
👉 4 - 10 Nov - Festival
👉 5 Nov - 5 Dec - Online Festival
👉 8 - 9 Nov - Industry Days
👉 9 Nov - Winners announced at the Flamingo Award Ceremony

🌿 Festival Grand Prix
🌿 Best Short Film
🌿 Audience Award
🌿 Animal Behaviour
🌿 Awareness
🌿 Van Lawick Conservation
🌿 People & Nature
🌿 Children's
🌿 Newcomer
🌿 Independent Production
🌿 Cinematography

𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬
👉 The submission period for the competition of the Festival 2024 is from Februari 1st until May 1st 2024.
👉 Submitting for Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam 2024 is free.
👉 New entries can be submitted via FilmFreeway only.
👉 Submit only one film per submission and specify the categories you would like to participate in for that film.
👉 You have to specify at least one category when submitting. Note: Your entry will automatically compete for either Best Film / Best Short Film (< 30 min) and the Audience Award.
👉 Series are more then welcome but please submit each episode separately
👉 Films in languages other than English or Dutch are welcome but must be subtitled or dubbed into English.
👉 Films must have a minimum length of 5 minutes.
👉 All eligible submissions will be reviewed by our selection committee that decides which movies will be selected for screening and nominated for our Flamingo Awards.
👉 An annually changing jury of five members will decide which films will be awarded in the different categories.

𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Filmmakers or representatives of selected films receive:
👉 The ability to market your film with the WFFR official selection logo and, if nominated for an award, an award logo.
👉 Attend all industry related events for free, including the Flamingo Award Ceremony and networking drinks.
👉 The opportunity to connect with distributors and buyers.
👉 A discount at a number of hotel accomodations.
👉 A by WFFR organized Q&A after your film screening and in some cases an extended post-screening discussion led by an experienced moderator.
👉 1,000 euros when winning the Grand Prix
👉 Meet lots of other film professionals and have a great time!

𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬
👉 Entries must have a central focus on non-domesticated wildlife species, natural habitats, conservation or the environment and be completed on or after January 1st, 2022.
👉 By submitting the film, entrants grant consent to screen the film by WFFR during the festival, without any right to royalties or screening fees.
👉 WFFR will screen the film in Cinerama (Rotterdam) during the festival and stream the film online. The streaming will be geoblocked and restricted to visitors based in the Netherlands only.
👉 WFFR is allowed to subtitle the film in Dutch. If requested, filmmaker shall provide WFFR with the transcript(s) of the film.
👉 The production must be submitted to WFFR by the producer or distributor of the film or their authorised representative. By submitting the film you guarantee that all production/distribution partners agreed to the submission and this rules and terms, and that you have obtained all clearances for screening. You certify that the work is original and that there exists no disputes regarding ownership with the film.
👉 WFFR is allowed to use the film, stills, trailer and information provided for (promotional) WFFR related activities prior to or after the festival.
👉 No film may be withdrawn from the festival programme after it has been selected for screening. WFFR has the right to alter the length and date of the festival, cancel Award categories and cancel or reschedule the festival without any liability towards the entrants.
👉 You agree to indemnify and hold harmless WFFR, its judges, sponsors and partners, individually and collectively, from and against all claims, demands, losses, damages, costs, liabilities, and expenses, including legal expenses arising out of or in connection with any and all claims, or third party claims, arising out of the submission to and exhibition of your film and corresponding material at WFFR, including the online festival. The competition and these terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Netherlands and the court of Rotterdam, Netherlands shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any disputes arising therefrom.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Although we couldn't attend the festival, the communication was very good and helpful. Keep on working! Many thanks.

    November 2023
  • Thank you WFF Rotterdam for the selection and this year's People & Nature award. It was an honour to be part of the festival, great communication with the team and high visibility on social media.

    November 2023
  • Kirsten Slemint

    I couldn’t recommend this festival or its team any more highly. A weekend of thoroughly enjoyable films, thought provoking discussion and valuable workshops and masterclasses.

    November 2023
  • Serious wildlife festival with serious workshops, but with a lighthearted touch. Enjoyed it immensely.

    November 2022
  • Thanks to the WFFR. A great program for a great festival.

    October 2022