Since 1993, the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF) has been the world’s premier showcase of environmental storytelling. Our mission is to harness the power of film and community to illuminate, celebrate, and inspire positive and lasting action for our planet.

Our screenings are held at extraordinary venues throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, including museums, embassies, universities, and other leading arts, cultural, and scientific institutions.

Voted DC’s Best Film Festival by the readers of Washington City Paper eight years in a row!

Submission Categories:
Short Films - This category includes films with a running time of 40 minutes or less, including credits.
Feature Films - This category includes films with a running time of more than 40 minutes.
Please carefully review the following rules and guidelines before submitting your film.

Questions:
If you have questions about DCEFF or your submission, contact info@dceff.org.

Awards & Prizes

2027 AWARDS INFO WILL BE RELEASED IN FALL 2026

Information on past rewards can be found at dceff.org/awards

Rules & Terms

DCEFF accepts films in any genre that address themes related to the natural or built environment. While the Festival does not exclude films that have previously been screened, premieres are strongly encouraged. DCEFF accepts unfinished films with an expected completion date no later than January 2027. Films in languages other than English must include embedded English subtitles.

Screener Format:
DCEFF requires an online screener submitted through FilmFreeway for consideration. Passwords for private links must remain active through February 2027.

Selection Status:
Filmmakers will be notified of their selection status through FilmFreeway in February 2027.

Rights and Releases:
By submitting a film for consideration, the submitter confirms that they own or control the film’s copyright and are duly authorized to submit the film to DCEFF.
DCEFF reserves the right to copy and use submitted publicity materials—including photographs, film stills, trailers, and film excerpts of up to three minutes—for noncommercial promotional and archival purposes at no additional cost before and throughout the Festival. The submitter agrees to hold harmless DCEFF and its partners from any claims connected with the film.

19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ignacio Walker

    One of my favorite film festivals! They managed to packed all the theaters, which for a filmmaker means a lot! Great communication and friendly staff. Top organization!

    April 2026
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  • Ben Masters

    We had a truly awesome experience at DCEFF and felt deeply honored to share our film with such a passionate and welcoming community in the nation’s capital. From thoughtful conversations to inspiring fellow filmmakers and a beautifully curated program, it was a weekend to remember. We’re so grateful to have been part of it.

    June 2025
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  • David Usui

    Just got back from DCEFF and honestly, what a great experience. Brad, Jacob, Samantha, Monica—the whole team is just…the real deal. Super generous, thoughtful, and clearly putting a ton of heart into everything they do. The audiences were amazing too—totally locked in and asking sharp questions. It all just felt really human and alive. Grateful to be part of it.

    April 2025
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  • Allison Argo

    Love, love, love this festival! Filmmakers get to see their films in top notch venues with full houses. The festival staff is wonderful, communication and organization is great, and the overall spirit of the festival is both serious and uplifting. Excellent!

    April 2025
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  • Erika Valenciana

    This is my second year participating in this festival and I love it! The team is so friendly, communicative and considerate. Great filmmaker experience, great venues, thoughtful Q&As, and well curated films. Bonus- it's during cherry blossom season so the city is beautiful at that time. Now I have to always have an environmental film in the works so I can keep returning. :)

    April 2024
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