The fifth Ireland Wildlife Film Festival was held virtually from the 10-20th of November 2022. Many submissions came in from all around the globe, resulting in a great collection of films in three categories, Feature Film, Short Film and Student Short Film, and I was asked to be a judge.
The Ireland Wildlife Film Festival is the first of its kind in Ireland and seeks to bring stories of conservation and species preservation to the big screen while also striving to create a community of filmmakers and audience members who care deeply about environmental issues.
Today we are witnessing habitat destruction and extinction at rates never before seen on our planet. Now, more than ever, it is of the utmost importance to advocate for the well being of the earth and our neighboring species.
Twenty four films were selcted for screening during the virtual event:
This year all of the spectacular wildlife and conservation films were free for all to watch from November 10-20th.
The Ireland Wildlife Film Festival would like to congratulate this year's winners:
Best Feature Film
Winner: The Last Stand
Directed by Henk Ekermans and Barend van der Watt
The snow-capped peaks of Chile's coastal mountains are a prehistoric wonderland, blanketed in snow. Like ancient lovers, two living fossils - a male and female Monkey Puzzle tree - have been rooted to these slopes for almost two thousand years. For them to survive, the timeworn duo has formed a bond, both with each other, and the wildlife that visits them.
Finalists:
Cactus Hotel, directed by Yann Sochaczewski Polers of the Okavango, directed by Olly Pemberton
Best Short Film
Winner: The Quest to Save Parasites Directed by Emily Driscoll
Scientists are on a mission to save parasites—not to kill them. Climate change is already doing an increasingly good job at the latter, and that could be a big problem for the world.
Finalists:
Creatures of the Kaleidoscope, directed by Aoibheann O'Sullivan. Yellowstone 88: Song of Fire, directed by Jerry van de Beek and Betsy De Fries
Best Student Short Film
Winner: Faces of the Cloud Forest Directed by Hugh Allen
In Bwindi Impenetrable forest, growing conflict with people puts the local population of Mountain Gorillas at risk. In her struggle to protect them, one veterinarian discovers that it is the many similarities between the two communities that threaten to destroy them both.
Finalist:
True Places Never Are, directed by Jeff Young
Special Mention
I'd also like to mention Forest Beneath the Waves, directed by festival organisers, Carter McCormick & Paula Sprenger of Habitat Productions, which premiered at the festival on November the 10th.
I think it's a great study of the issues affecting wildlife and people in Bantry Bay, well balanced, beautifully filmed and produced. All in all, an excellent, impactful film, trying to make a difference, so a big thumbs up from me!
The film focuses on the potential mechanical harvest of the Kelp Forest in Bantry Bay, Ireland. The film studies the impact of Kelp, the creatures that live in it, and the relationship it has with us humans. Visit: habitatproductions.org
Since the late 1990s Wildlife-film.com has been the leading source of information for the wildlife filmmaking industry worldwide. For over twenty years the site has been Google's number one ranking site for 'wildlife film' and related searches. Our site is viewed in over 195 countries. Our newsletter, Wildlife Film News, is read every month by thousands of people involved in wildlife filmmaking - from broadcasters and producers, to cameramen - we encourage readers to submit their news. We also serve as an online resource for industry professionals and services. Find producers, editors, presenters and more in our Freelancer section, and find out about festivals, training and conservation in Organisations. We encourage amateur and professional freelancers to join our network and welcome all wildlife-film related organisations to join our team.
Wildlife Film News is available every month straight to your Inbox! Subscribe here:
