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Wildscreen Panda Awards 2026 Nominees Announced

Find out who the nominees are for the Wildscreen 2026 Panda Awards!

Wildscreen Festival KENYA Full Programme Announced

Discover the full programme for the festival in Kenya this June.

Not-so digital natives need our help: Lessons from a Digital Inclusion Pilot

Wildscreen’s NatureStory Programme Manager, Charlie Whittaker, reflects on the programme.

Programme and Speaker Sneak Peak Released for Wildscreen Industry Summit

Wildscreen is proud to unveil the first wave of programming and speakers for its brand-new Industry Summit, a three-day event happening between 20-22 October, designed to help the industry navigate the evolving landscape of natural world storytelling. 

Taking place in Bristol and online, the Summit will bring together global leaders in natural history production for an unmissable programme of conversation, collaboration, and connection. From thought-provoking panels and practical workshops to exclusive screenings and industry networking, the Summit has been designed to support the sector’s workforce, ignite bold ideas, and catalyse meaningful change. 

First Speakers Announced 

We’re thrilled to welcome some of the most respected voices in the global wildlife film industry to the Summit stage, including: 

  • Tom McDonald – EVP, Global Factual & Unscripted at National Geographic 
  • Vanessa Berlowitz – Co-Founder & CEO, Wildstar Films 
  • Walter Köhler – CEO, Terra Mater Studios 
  • Abaraham Joffe – Director & Producer, Untitled Film Works 
  • Gareth Edwards – Strategic Account Partner, Shutterstock 
  • Victoria Noble – Head of Unscripted, AMV Stream 

This diverse line-up of leaders and filmmakers will lead timely conversations around the current challenges and opportunities facing the genre and share insights on what’s next. 

Topics That Matter 

 

The Summit programme will reflect the evolving landscape of the industry and spotlight the key issues shaping its future, with sessions exploring: 

  • The Impact of AI on Storytelling – The debate continues… how can we all remain accountable for the uses of AI in our productions. To generate or not to generate, that is the question… (This session is sponsored by Terra Mater Studios.) 
  • Community-Driven Storytelling – Redressing power dynamics and supporting communities to tell their own stories authentically and ethically (This session is sponsored by Synchronicity Earth). 
  • Brand-Supported Filmmaking – Hear from brands and filmmakers that are making brand-funded content, driven by story without tricking you into buying the latest trend or new drop. 
  • A-Lister Influence – A-listers are becoming common place on the natural history scene, lending their voices, names, tone and influence. What’s driving the trend – commissioners, audiences or storytelling? And what’s the value? 
  • Monetising Archive – What if the money maker was already in your back pocket? Explore how you can make the most of repurposing yours or someone else’s archive to diversify income streams 

First Screening Announced 

 

Trade Secret | Followed by Director Q&A with Abraham Joffe 

 

Trade Secret follows three unlikely allies on a mission to protect polar bears from international commercial trade. Filmed over six years across nine countries, the film exposes the sanctioned sale of hundreds of polar bears each year on the global market. But as the investigation deepens, it uncovers a disturbing truth: those entrusted with safeguarding the species may be entangled in their continued commercialisation. The film raises urgent questions about how we protect vulnerable species in a world where the lines between protection and exploitation have become blurred. 

This screening and Q&A will take place at 7:30pm on Monday 20 October at Bristol Megascreen.  

Summit Structure 

The Wildscreen Industry Summit will take place over three days: 

Monday 20 & Tuesday 21 October – in person & online 

  • Two days of future-focused sessions and panels featuring industry leaders and experts. There will be networking breaks throughout, with each day closing with an industry film screening and Director Q&A.  

Wednesday 22 October – In-person only 
Dedicated to connection and career growth

 

  • The final day focuses on curated 1:1 speed networking and craft workshops. The speed meetings will match delegates with decision makers and mentors to help progress their ideas and careers. The workshops will take place across Bristol, where small groups will gain practical craft skills and expertise.  

The Summit culminates with the iconic Wildscreen Panda Awards (tickets sold separately), celebrating the very best in natural world storytelling, sponsored by Warner Chappell Production Music. 

 

For more information, see here.