International Wildlife Film Festival is celebrated from April 23 to April 30. The mission of this festival is to promote awareness, understanding, and knowledge of wildlife, habitat, people, and nature through excellence in film. The long-standing festival encourages wildlife filmmakers and challenges expectations about how we conserve wildlife and habitat. Taking into account the several climate change problems and their irreversible consequences, this festival is highly important. It raises awareness about how essential is to take care of our planet to ensure the survival of all the different species that live on it.
History of International Wildlife Film Week
This festival is full of packed theaters and sharp audiences that want to learn more about themselves and the world we live in. Filmmakers expect lively Q&As to have engaging panel discussions and a casual, jovial atmosphere. This gives people the opportunity to ask questions about how wildlife films are recorded. Among the guests, there are top-notch filmmakers and producers, cutting-edge conservationists or biologists, and environmentalists. The staff at the festival is well-known for efficient communication and programming and for delivering a fun festival experience.
I.W.F.F. has a collaborative spirit and offers opportunities for many national conservation partners to be involved in post-film screening discussions and day trips through western Montana. The festival continues to offer the international audience a chance to watch the films owing to the success of the virtual programs in 2020 and 2021.
I.W.F.F. and The Roxy Theater have a special relationship. This theatre was founded in 1977 at the University of Montana. The festival is the first and the longest-running event of its kind. Chuck Jonkel, the theatre’s founder, sought to highlight films that demonstrated ethical filmmaking when he founded the festival. The Roxy Theater — home to I.W.F.F. — began operating in 2013 as a year-round art-house theater and began an extensive collaboration with the university, businesses, and community, serving a diverse, all-ages population with broad programming. A unique, historic venue with incredible resources, The Roxy has four cinema screens, a micro-cinema, an outdoor movie garden, 35mm projection, state-of-the-art sound systems, and two stages. I.W.F.F. considered The Roxy Theater its home.
International Wildlife Film Week timeline
He is born on July 6 in Chicago, Illinois, into the poverty that characterized America during the Great Depression.
The Roxy Theater History is founded by biologist Chuck Jonkel at the University of Montana.
The festival purchases the historic Roxy Theater and makes it home.
The Roxy Theater begins an extensive collaboration with the university, businesses, and the community.
International Wildlife Film Week FAQs
What kind of films are eligible for this festival?
They must have a central focus on non-domesticated wildlife species, natural habitats, or conservation.
Is “Our Planet” on Netflix?
Yes, it is.
What does the jury prioritize?
The jury prioritizes ethical decision-making during production, scientific accuracy, and demonstrated efforts toward the betterment of our natural world.
International Wildlife Film Week Activities
Watch a wildlife film
Watching a wildlife film would be the ideal way to celebrate this festival. There are a lot of documentaries and films about wildlife: “Seaspiracy,” “Cowspiracy,” “The Last Lions,” and “Beautiful People.”
Go to a Wildwalk
Wildwalks are held in several parts of the world. One of these walks is held in the Art Box, Missoula Public Library. Do not forget to wear your animal mask!
Go to a Wildfest
A live performance of “The Black Footed Ferret” from the Endangered will be held at B.N. Plaza. Don’t miss it!
5 Facts That You Probably Do Not Know About Recording Wildlife Films
It requires constant movement
Sometimes taking a good shot requires constant movement and repositioning the camera more than once.
It is physically demanding
This is because of the environment in which the movie is being recorded like jungles, forests, or the ocean.
It means waiting for a long time
For the animals to not be bothered, filmmakers have to wait for a long time in blinds, which is a style of camouflage.
It is risky
Animals cannot be controlled, and there’s no certainty about how they will behave.
Shots are not chosen randomly
Choices have to be made about what sequences are appropriate for the story, as in any film.
Why We Love International Wildlife Film Week
Wildlife films allow us to see beyond
These films allow us to see what is beyond human beings. They show us that there are multitudes of animals and ecosystems on our planet.
Nature relieves stress
Research shows that just observing nature and animals can reduce tension and promote a feeling of well-being. Wildlife films offer that.
Wildlife films raise awareness
These films raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our planet. It is our only home.
International Wildlife Film Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 23 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | April 23 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April 23 | Thursday |
| 2027 | April 23 | Friday |
| 2028 | April 23 | Sunday |
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