SunChild International Environmental Festival

Overview

The SunChild 14th International Environmental Festival (SunChild IEF) will take place in October 2026 in Armenia, screening a curated selection of outstanding environmental films from around the world. The 14th edition of the festival will be held in parallel with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP17, hosted by Armenia, creating a unique platform where culture, conservation, and global environmental dialogue intersect. At a time when biodiversity loss has become one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity, SunChild IEF aims to bring stories of nature, species, ecosystems, and people to the forefront of public attention. Through film, discussion, and community engagement, the festival creates space to learn, connect, and imagine solutions for a more sustainable and biodiverse future. Selected filmmakers and directors will be invited to Armenia to participate in screenings, discussions, and public events, fostering direct dialogue between filmmakers, experts, youth, and audiences during this globally significant moment for biodiversity conservation. About the Festival Founded by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), SunChild International Environmental Festival is the first and only environmental film festival in the South Caucasus. Over the past years, the festival has screened more than 780 films from over 150 countries, becoming a recognized platform for environmental storytelling and dialogue. Beyond film screenings, SunChild IEF includes a wide range of activities such as workshops, conferences, exhibitions, public discussions, and creative events. The festival also travels to regions across Armenia throughout the year, actively engaging children and youth through educational screenings and community-based initiatives that encourage local action and creative responses to environmental challenges. SunChild IEF aims to bring biodiversity, wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental responsibility into the center of public discourse, strengthening environmental awareness and participation at both local and international levels. Theme of the 14th Edition: Biodiversity Conservation The 14th edition of SunChild IEF is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, focusing on the protection of species, habitats, ecosystems, and the intricate relationships that sustain life on Earth. Films and events within the festival will explore biodiversity loss, human impacts on nature, conservation efforts, restoration initiatives, and pathways toward ecological resilience in Armenia, the South Caucasus region, and globally. By highlighting both the challenges and solutions related to biodiversity conservation, the festival seeks to inspire responsibility, dialogue, and action among diverse audiences. Film Categories • Feature-Length Environmental Films (Competition) Documentary films addressing biodiversity conservation, environmental degradation, species protection, ecosystem restoration, and human–nature relationships. Films released after March 2025 are eligible. Duration: 45 minutes to 3 hours. For longer films, please contact SunChild IEF. • Short Environmental Films (Competition) Short documentary or fictional films focusing on biodiversity-related themes, including conservation challenges, local and global environmental stories, and innovative solutions. Films released after March 2025 are eligible. Duration: 5–45 minutes. • Youth Voices for Biodiversity – Documentary (Competition) This category is dedicated to environmental documentaries created by young filmmakers. In line with UN standards, youth are defined as individuals aged 15–24. At least one key creative role (director, co-director, or lead producer) must be held by a filmmaker within this age range. The category highlights youth perspectives on biodiversity conservation, environmental challenges, and solutions shaping the future. Films released after March 2024 are eligible. Duration: 5–120 minutes. • John Burton Conservation Award Named in honor of the late conservationist John Burton, this award recognizes outstanding films about individuals and initiatives dedicated to protecting nature and biodiversity worldwide. The award celebrates strong directorial vision and impactful storytelling about conservation leaders and changemakers. Films released after March 2025 are eligible. • Non-Competition: Environmental Education & Awareness This non-competitive program welcomes films that contribute to environmental education and public awareness on a broad range of ecological topics, including biodiversity, climate, wildlife, and sustainability. Films of any genre released before March 2023 are eligible. Duration: 5 minutes to 2 hours. For shorter or longer films, please contact SunChild IEF.

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

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• Filmmaker

  I am very happy that one of my films has been selected by this festival. The contacts were professional and very warm. I could not attend the festival and I regret it. I hope I can do next time !

• Filmmaker

  Great festival with great values and great selection ! Very good communication with directors

• Filmmaker

  I only received an email accepting my film. When I wrote back, asking for the acceptance rate, I never heard back. I have no idea when the festival took place and never received an invitation to attend. Nonetheless, I am grateful my short film might have been shown somewhere, i guess.

• Filmmaker

  A great festival with a wonderful film programming. I was lucky that my film Mamody, the last baobab digger was selected this year. Even though I couldn't attend the festival in Yerevan, it was a very good experience. I highly recommend this unique festival in this part of the world.

• Filmmaker

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