All categories, save for the
Forest Micro Movie, have been further divided into two sub-categories, comprising of long form entries, with a runtime above 17 minutes, and the short form entries, with a runtime between 5 - 17 minutes. Micro movies comprise entries with a runtime of up to 5 minutes.
Winner and finalist films will be shown at events across the world to raise awareness of the importance of conserving forests and forest wildlife, and to shed further light on what can be learned from the extensive knowledge and experiences of forest and forest-adjacent inhabitants when it comes to conserving these ecosystems.
CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero said: “The outstanding entries of this sixth World Wildlife Day Film Showcase will help viewers discover the stories of local and indigenous communities around the world who live in or near forests, whose livelihoods and well-being depend on these ecosystems and the wildlife therein. As we all seek to mend our relationship with Nature, the Film Showcase gives us the opportunity to capture and share the stories of people and communities as they march towards sustainability. The efforts of those who interact with their surroundings in a sustainable way should be an inspiration for us all. We are deeply grateful to all the filmmakers who submitted their works.”