Eligibility
MAFF accepts creative documentary (non-fiction) films with a running time of 17 to 100 minutes, completed between 2024 and 2026. Films must be submitted exclusively via FilmFreeway. Submission is free of charge.
Each documentary may be submitted in one of two categories:
◾ NATURE – documentaries depicting the natural world in all its diversity
◾ MAN AND NATURE – documentaries depicting the relationship and balance between humans and nature
Final category placement is at the sole discretion of the festival.
By submitting a film, entrants confirm that no third party holds claims that would prevent its screening and grant MAFF the non-exclusive right to screen the film during the festival without payment of royalties or screening fees.
The festival does not accept films that have been made freely available to the general public.
Preview screeners must be provided as a private, password-protected, or unlisted screener, either in English or with English subtitles. Films spoken in English are strongly recommended to include subtitles if the language may be difficult for non-native speakers to understand (e.g. due to accent or slang).
Each submission via FilmFreeway must include:
◾ Three publicity stills from the film
◾ Production credits (director, cast, producer, cinematographer, editor)
◾ Specifications (year of completion, country of origin, language)
◾ Director’s or submitter’s contact details (email and postal address)
◾ Synopsis (100–150 words)
◾ Trailer or teaser (YouTube or Vimeo link, or downloadable file)
Early submission is strongly encouraged. The festival is not obliged to view late entries.
Selection Process
Films are selected by the festival’s selection committee. MAFF selects approximately 50 films each year for the international competition and side programmes.
Entrants will be notified of selection or non-selection via FilmFreeway by 10 August 2026.
MAFF is under no obligation to provide comments or feedback regarding the reasons for selecting or not selecting any film.
Upon selection, applicants will be contacted via FilmFreeway and asked to complete a binding entry form. Once the form has been submitted, films may not be withdrawn. A withdrawal fee of €500 will apply.
Language and Subtitles
All films selected for the international competition will be translated into Estonian. For translation purposes, each competition film must be accompanied by:
◾ A time-coded English subtitle file (.srt or .txt) or a time-coded dialogue list
◾ A list of species names in Latin (where applicable)
Films selected for the side programmes will be screened in English. If the original language is not English, they must be provided with English subtitles.
Full details of the programme and all selected films will be published on the festival website by 5 September 2026.
Films in the international competition are judged by an international jury of six members comprising filmmakers and nature experts.
Awards
The jury will present the following awards:
◾ Grand Prix – Best Film: Diploma + Egg Trophy + €5,000 (shared by the Director and Producer)
◾ Best Director: Diploma + Egg Trophy + €1,000 in each category
◾ Best Cinematography: Diploma + Egg Trophy + €1,000 in each category
◾ Best Editing: Diploma + Egg Trophy in each category
◾ Special Jury Prize: Diploma + Egg Trophy in each category
◾ Special Mention: Diploma in each category
Films in both the international competition and side programmes are eligible for Special Prizes:
◾ Audience Award: Diploma + Egg Trophy
◾ Ministry of Climate Special Prize: Diploma + Prize
◾ Matsalu National Park Special Prize: Diploma + Prize
◾ Estonian Fund for Nature Special Prize: Diploma + Prize
◾ Tallinn Zoo Special Prize: Diploma + Prize
All participants will receive a certificate of participation and festival laurels.
Screening and Promotion
Accepted screening file formats are MP4 and MOV.
Screening copies must be delivered no later than 31 August 2026.
Films selected for the festival will be screened exclusively at festival events. Any additional screenings require the prior consent of the producer or distributor.
Participants consent to the publication of film information on the festival website and in printed materials, including the catalogue, programme, leaflets and press materials.
Participants also agree that, for the festival’s non-commercial promotional purposes, media outlets, television stations and partner online platforms may be granted access to film materials (photos, stills, posters and information), trailers, or film excerpts of up to three minutes.
All screening copies will remain in the festival archive and may be used solely for the festival’s promotional and educational purposes.
Film Delegations
For each selected film, one representative (director, producer, cinematographer or official representative) will be invited to attend the festival.
The organisers will provide accommodation during the festival and cover transport between Tallinn and Lihula. Travel expenses to and from Estonia are not covered.
Final Provisions
By submitting a film, participants grant MAFF the non-exclusive right to screen the film during the festival free of charge. In all other respects, copyright remains with the rights holder.
