Documentary category

The Documentary category is one of the festival's eight competition genres, aimed at young filmmakers up to the age of 25. It is a competitive category with a prize of £250 awarded to the winning film.

Core Themes for Documentary Submissions

While the official rules do not prescribe specific documentary styles, within the context of the Earth Stories mission, the category invites factual filmmaking that explores:

• The Climate Crisis: Documentaries examining the causes, impacts, or human experiences of a changing climate.
• Nature's Degradation: Films investigating environmental damage, biodiversity loss, or ecological challenges.
• Pathways to Sustainable Futures: Stories highlighting solutions, human-nature reconnection, or positive action toward environmental sustainability.

Key Rules for Documentary Submissions

If you are submitting a documentary film, you must adhere to the festival's standard rules:

• Duration: Films must be between 1 and 10 minutes long.
• Language: Films must be in English or include accurate English subtitles.
• Content: Any genre is accepted, but films with strong adult elements (profanity, sex, gore, drugs, violence) will be rejected.
• Originality: You must be the copyright holder of your original work.
• Entry Fee: Submissions are free.
• Age Requirement: Entrants must be any age under 25 years old for the Documentary category.

In essence, the Documentary category at Earth Stories is an opportunity for young filmmakers to use factual storytelling to investigate environmental issues, amplify real-world voices, and inspire action through authentic narratives.