Matsalu Nature Film Festival (MAFF), an annual nature film event which showcases documentaries from around the world about wildlife, conservation and the environment, in cooperation with the Lääneranna municipal government in Estonia, is now accepting entries for this year’s festival which will take place from September 20 to October 1 in the small town of Lihula in Western Estonia.
The festival which promotes nature-oriented and sustainable ways of life and respect for the nature-connected traditions of indigenous people showcases a variety of new international documentaries about wildlife, conservation and the environment that inspire, inform and ignite change.
The festival features various art and nature photography exhibitions, photo presentations and meetings of both professional and amateur photographers. The programme also includes screenings, activities and workshops for schoolchildren, roundtable discussions on different nature-related topics and other cultural events.
MAFF takes place in the tiny town of Lihula in Western Estonia. A selection of films is shown all over Estonia.
Awards and prizes include:
- Grand Prix for the Best Film
- Best Director (one in each category)
- Best Cinematography (one in each category)
- Best Editing (one in each category)
- Special Jury Prize (one in each category)
- Special Mention (one in each category)
- Audience Award
- Special Prizes
The festival only considers creative documentaries of a minimum of 15 minutes completed after January 1, 2021. It does not accept fiction.
Films can be submitted in one of two categories: Nature – documentaries that depict the natural world in its diversity and; Man and Nature – documentaries that depict the relationship and balance between nature and humanity.
For each film selected to the festival one person – director, producer, cinematographer or official representative – is invited to attend the festival. The organizers will cover the costs for accommodation during the festival and transfers between Tallinn and Lihula. Contributions to travelling expenses are not included in the payments made to delegates.
Closing date for submission of applications is August 1, 2023.
For more information on the event and to apply, please visit: https://filmfreeway.com/matsalufilm.
