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European Wildlife Film Awards 2027

Submit films here Rules & Terms

Here we go again!

Starting April 15, 2026, filmmakers can submit their nature films for the 2027 European Wildlife Film Awards.

The awards ceremony will take place in Hamburg in early February 2027.

The submission deadline is June 1, 2026.

CALL FOR ENTRY

Submission period: April 15, 2026, to June 1, 2026

We are seeking the best productions that address the themes of nature, wildlife, and the environment in Europe and were completed no more than two years prior to submission.

Submissions can only be made online via FilmFreeway.

Submit films here Regulations

Award Categories

The European Wildlife Film Awards offer the highest prize money of any nature film competition in Europe. Awards are presented in six categories. Four of the winners are selected by an independent, expert jury. The winners of the Audience Award and the Short Film Award are chosen by the audience.

Category Wildlife2027
Category Biodiversity2027
Category Nature Conservation2027
Category Audience Award2027
Category Story2027
Category Short Film2027
  • Best European Film: Wildlife

    The award is given for the most fascinating animal footage in a film. The animals must be wild animals found in Europe. The film must meet the highest overall quality standards.

    Endowed with 15,000 Euros

    Sponsor: German Wildlife Foundation

  • Best European Film: Biodiversity

    The award will be given to an entry that uniquely highlights the diversity of Europe’s native flora and fauna, showcases wildlife habitats, natural areas, landscapes, and ecosystems, and, where applicable, addresses the threats they face.

    Endowed with 10,000 Euros

    Sponsor: GARBE Urban Real Estate

  • Best European Film: Nature Conservation

    The award is given to an outstanding film that highlights initiatives or individuals who are effectively advancing the protection of biodiversity, nature, and species.

    Endowed with 10,000 Euros

    Sponsor: German Wildlife Foundation

  • Audience Award

    A selection of submissions that are at least 40 minutes long will be nominated for this award and screened for an audience during the weekly nature film night at the Wildlife Embassy. The audience will vote, and the film with the highest overall score will win. The award is always presented the following year.

    Endowed with 5,000 Euros

    Award sponsor: NDR

  • Best Story

    This award recognizes the best screenplay in a film. For example, because it is particularly moving, surprising, or thought-provoking, or because it is well-structured, dramatically compelling, and emotionally accessible.

    Endowed with 5,000 Euros

    Sponsor: POPULAR GmbH

  • Best Short Film

    A selection of submitted short films ranging from 1 to 15 minutes in length will be nominated for this award and screened for an audience at the Wildlife Embassy. The audience will vote, and the film with the most votes wins. Productions that succeed in presenting a theme in a compelling way within a short timeframe—whether through originality, cinematic quality, a strong story, or distinctive aesthetics—will be nominated.

    Endowed with 2,500 Euros

    Sponsor: Frankonia Handels GmbH & Co. KG

You will soon find the selected films for EWFA 2027 here.

Films