The Wildlife Conservation Film Festival attracts an international representation of film, filmmakers, advocates and scientists dedicated to the preservation of global biodiversity. Visitors come to New York from across the globe to attend this unique film festival. Opportunity for the filmmaker and visitors exist to interact and engage is discussion.

Representatives from multiple distribution companies are invited to review films in the festival for television listings on their respected networks.

The 14th WCFF annual event in New York, NY is October 24-27 with film screenings, panel discussions, networking and receptions. Two days are field trip for visiting film producers and scientists.

In addition to New York, NY the following events are scheduled for 2024. NO additional fees are required to participate with these events

Naples, FL
Rookery Bay Environmental Education Center
January 16-22
Welcome dinner, 1/16
Films and Speakers, 1/17-20
Field trips to Everglades and Corkscrew Audubon Swamp Sanctuary, 1/21-22
* Free housing for up to 15 filmmakers via dormitory style

Monterrey, Mexico
April 2024

Nairobi, Kenya
May 2024

Boston, MA
September 2024

United Arab Emirates
November 2024

WCFF host a virtual edition of the festival as not every film can fit into the New York schedule, nor can all filmmakers or attendees travel to our great city. The virtual edition gives filmmakers a greater exposure to a more diverse, global audience. Attendees that cannot travel to New York have the option to have their film(s) participate in the virtual edition. There is also opportunity to interact with filmmakers and scientists during live Zoom sessions. The virtual event takes place one month after the live event in New York.

Film Producers receive:
- The ability to market your film with the WCFF official selection and, if selected for an award, an award logo.
- All access festival pass.
- You will be introduced at your film's screening, participate in Panel Discussion/Q&As to talk about your work
- Free admission to all festival related events.
- Sell copies of your film(s) and books at the festival

* All films entered via FilmFreeway have the option to participate in the WCFF virtual event, December 1-30 hosted through www.Ecoflix.com

Entry & Judging Categories:
Amateur
Animation
Conservation
Ecosystem/Habitat
Education
Endangered Species
Endangered Ecosystem/Habitat
Feature
Foreign (Must be subtitled in English)
Foundation
Humans & Nature
Music & Nature
Short (Under 20 minutes)
Student (Ages 21 and under)
Video Art and Experimental
Virtual Reality
Wildlife Activism

Request film entry application with rules and terms to Christopher@wcff.org

* Acceptance into the WCFF means your film may be screened in New York, NY. Films that cannot fit into the schedule have the option to participate in the virtual edition.. All filmmakers have the option to include their production as part of the WCFF Channel, an online film festival that reaches a larger global audience.

The WCFF does NOT provide for airfare, accommodations or any other expenses incurred to attend the festival, unless otherwise arranged and agreed upon.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • My filmmaking partner & I had the most incredible experience this January 2024 at WCFF in Naples FL. We met filmmakers who work in Australia, Antarctica, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, Mexico, the US, and many other places. We also met audience members and conservationists, enjoyed dinners and outdoor expeditions, and made lasting connections. Represented were independent filmmakers with short shorts to filmmakers from public television and Nat Geo, and everything in between. It was hosted at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, on a beautiful property, at a top notch facility, in a great theater with high quality projection and sound. Our film has never looked so good. Filmmakers were treated with great consideration and attention, from meals to WCFF tshirts to awards. I want to especially acknowledge the founder, Christopher, a talented filmmaker in his own right. Every program started with a WCFF trailer featuring Dr. Jane Goodall's voice and Christopher's animated short with Macy Gray's voice. It set the tone for every program and audience members were genuinely touched. (They told me so!) I know that WCFF used to be held in NYC, but due to sponsor and logistical issues, Christopher and others worked to move it to the facility run by the Friends of Rookery Bay, a nature conservation non-profit. Some people were disappointed that the festival did not occur in person (but virtually) late last year, but as Christopher promised, the event did take place -- successfully -- just this past week and weekend. There was press and great audience attendance at every program. I'm now connected to inspiring, talented industry people I never would have met otherwise. From beginning to end, this was a positive experience and sets a high bar. I want to express my gratitude to Christopher, who has dedicated his life to wildlife conservation and to supporting filmmakers. He found just the right partners to work with and to ensure that WCFF continues to make an impact. I was very happy to enjoy the warm Florida weather and the warm welcome. A+++++

    January 2024
  • Kaushik Mukhopadhyay

    Thank you very much to the team WCFF.
    It's very overwhelming for me, that my film "FISHING CAT THE PRIDE OF BENGAL" has received the world premiere at the largest wildlife film festival dedicated on wildlife conservation for the decade, WCFF 2023.
    I am really very honoured. Being a young filmmaker, it inspires me a lot.
    Thank you again.

    December 2023
  • Mari Peterson

    The audience feedback video was extremely enlightening and helpful to our organization to see that the documentary met our goals - reaching a broad and diverse audience who had never heard about the American chestnut tree and the restoration project involving so many citizen scientists, staff and volunteers in multiples states. The communication was efficient and helpful.

    November 2023
  • Great festival ..... Am also inviting for NAPLES FILM FESTIVAL in FLORIDA . Try to join this festival, Wildlife Conservation Films and to raise awareness on conservation related topics worldwide! lovely team and aim of this fest........

    October 2023
  • D J Clark

    Fantastic festival highlighting some very important issues.

    October 2023