Environmental Film Festival at Yale (EFFY)

Overview

Since 2008, the Environmental Film Festival at Yale (EFFY) has been America’s premier student-run film festival dedicated to telling stories that reflect environmental themes. We recognize the immense power of film to highlight society’s largest issues and potential paths toward an equitable and sustainable future. Through screening narrative and documentary films, EFFY achieves its mission to showcase the environment’s past, present, and future via compelling stories and moving images. Founded by a group of dedicated students, EFFY has evolved over the years, now spanning a vibrant weekend that features exclusive screenings of television and film, workshops, and panel discussions at some of Yale and New Haven’s most iconic venues. Our panels have delved into a wide range of topics, from environmental justice and resilience to Indigenous knowledge to the art of environmental storytelling itself. We've had the privilege of hosting esteemed guests such as Dan Rather, Leonardo DiCaprio, Van Jones, Gus Speth, and Jeffrey Sachs. Every spring, EFFY showcases incisive, cutting-edge films that highlight the environmental and social issues of our time. We unpack and explore these films with expert panels of filmmakers, celebrities, scholars, activists, and public servants. We promote storytelling, amplify voices that need to be heard, and provide our audience with context, criticism, and greater insights. If you have questions, please contact us at yaleeffy@gmail.com.

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Legitimacy Analysis

Trust Signals

Festival Details

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  Time well spent. I valued the moderation and post screening panel greatly. The level of engagement and quality of the moderation was refreshing.

• Filmmaker

  We had a great experience at EFFY 2025. The facilities are world class, and the festival staff was warm and welcoming. The programming was creative, and the panel discussions were lively and thought-provoking. Highly recommend!

• Filmmaker

  We loved being a part of EFFY. Clear and kind communication by all team members. The festival events were dynamic and engaging. There were plenty of opportunities for networking and conversation.

• Filmmaker

  EFFY was a great time. The audience members at all the screenings were engaged and passionate about the environment, art, and human stories. The festival team did a great job with organizing events with social opportunities and insightful panelists. Great experience!

• Filmmaker

  EFFY is a wonderful festival! The organizers did a phenomenal job and their passion for their work shines through. Would definitely recommend!

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