Films for the Forest competition, powered by non-profit Rainforest Partnership, hosted an Online Global Screening event on June 30th and July 1st of 2023.
Out of 83 submissions from 26 countries, the juried short film collection showcased 10 winning films, all centered around the theme of "Living Forest. Thriving Future." Spanning 120 minutes, the films were accompanied by short interludes highlighting Rainforest Partnership's impactful work with Ecuadorian Kichwa Communities and Peruvian Conservation Biologists.
Esteemed judges for Films for the Forest 2023 included five-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Richard Linklater, Welsh actor and activist Iwan Rheon, Canadian actor and writer Calum Worthy, and Argentinian actress and dancer Brenda Asnicar.
Reflecting on the films, first-time judge Calum Worthy expressed,
“You are amazed by these films, they go far beyond informing and educating and the quality and passion of the different stories takes us on an intellectual and emotional journey exploring the many facets of this year's theme.”
Filmmakers submitted short films in five categories: Documentary Shorts, Narrative Shorts, Animated Shorts, Youth Category (Under 18), and Indigenous Category (IPLC).
There will be additional live stream and in-person screenings with panel discussions with filmmakers and judges during the remainder of 2023.
The winning films of the 2023 edition of the competition are listed below.
About Films for the Forest
Founded by the nonprofit Rainforest Partnership in 2010, Films for the Forest invites filmmakers from around the world to share the voices and stories of forests worldwide, highlighting their rich biodiversity and local communities, their immense beauty and importance to the entire planet, the threats they face, and the opportunities for renewal.
It is an annual juried short film collection that uses the power of creative storytelling to convene, empower, and activate global audiences to take action on behalf of the world's forests. www.FilmsfortheForest.org