BCEFF 2026 Earlybird submissions is open NOW!Submit Your Film Early and Take Advantage of Our Earlybird Discount — Deadline: February 28, 2027
BCEFF 2027 FILM SUBMISSIONS
Do you have a film that can inspire audiences worldwide—a story that explores environmental challenges, our relationship with nature, or meaningful solutions? BCEFF is a platform for films that combine artistic excellence, scientific integrity, education, and positive action.
Selected films will be screened online from November 1–30, 2027. A special in-person screening featuring nominated and award-winning films will also take place in British Columbia, with the date and location to be announced.
At BCEFF, we connect the scientific community, filmmakers, environmental organizations, and audiences. We celebrate films for their creative quality, emotional impact, and ability to communicate environmental knowledge accurately and accessibly.
Topics of Interest:
• Biodiversity, endangered species, conservation, and ecological restoration
• Climate change and air, water, noise, light, and plastic pollution
• Oceans, rivers, lakes, watersheds, marine biodiversity, and ocean literacy
• Coastal and Indigenous communities, water justice, and freshwater protection
• Sustainability, renewable energy, and responsible use of natural resources
• Credible solutions, environmental education, advocacy, and positive action
• Environmental stories created for children, youth, families, and educators
OCEAN WEEK CANADA 2027
OCEAN & WATER STORYTELLING AWARDS
In partnership with the Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration (COLC), BCEFF will recognize outstanding ocean- and water-themed filmmaking through two special awards:
• Ocean Week Canada 2027 – COLC Ocean & Water Documentary Award
• Ocean Week Canada 2027 – COLC Ocean & Water Short Film Award
Ocean- and water-themed films submitted by February 28, 2027, may be considered for both Ocean Week Canada 2027 and BCEFF’s November 2027 festival.
Selected films may be screened online across Canada for ten days and may also be presented at participating community venues during Ocean Week Canada, subject to separate authorization from the filmmaker or rights holder.
Ocean- and water-themed films submitted after February 28 may still be considered for BCEFF 2027 and may also be carried forward for consideration during Ocean Week Canada 2028. Filmmakers submit and pay only once.
MPORTANT DATES:
Ocean Week / Earlybird Deadline: February 28, 2027
Regular Deadline: July 15, 2027
Extended Deadline: September 30, 2027
Notification Date: October 15, 2027
Festival Dates: November 1–30, 2027
Awards & Prizes:
Each year we will spotlight a different aspect of our environment and have a special award.
Film Awards:
• Best International Documentary
• Best Canadian Documentary
• Best International Short
• Best Canadian Short
• Best Children & Youth Environmental Film
• Best Environmental Feature
• Scientific Integrity Award
• Environmental Impact Award
• Audience Choice Award
• Ocean Week Canada 2027 – COLC Ocean & Water Documentary Award
• Ocean Week Canada 2027 – COLC Ocean & Water Short Film Award
Rules & Terms Eligibility:
BCEFF accepts films of any genre that explore the natural or built environment and the ways ecological change affects people, communities, cultures, and ecosystems.
Films completed on or after October 1, 2025, are eligible for the 2027 festival. Premieres are encouraged but are not required.
All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway. Non-English films must include English subtitles. English closed captions are required for virtual screenings and strongly encouraged for all submissions.
Screener links and passwords must remain valid until at least December 15, 2027. Submitters must hold all necessary rights for their films, music, archival materials, images, and performances.
Filmmakers will be notified of their BCEFF 2027 selection status through FilmFreeway by October 15, 2027. Candidates for Ocean Week Canada will receive separate notification, and participation will require separate screening authorization.
Submissions:
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Films with a completion date of October 2026 are eligible.
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Non-English films must include English subtitles; closed captions are required for virtual screenings.
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Submissions must be uploaded through FilmFreeway, with screener links valid until at least November 30, 2026
Selection Status:
Filmmakers will be notified of their selection status by October 2026 via FilmFreeway.
Rights & Releases:
By submitting, you confirm ownership or authorization to submit the film and grant BCEFF rights to use promotional materials for non-commercial purposes. BCEFF and its partners are held harmless from any claims related to the film.
Why Submit to BCEFF?
BCEFF connects filmmakers with audiences, educators, scientists, conservation organizations, policymakers, and community partners. Selected films become part of a growing platform dedicated to transforming environmental knowledge into compelling stories, public dialogue, and positive action.