Biodiversity Conservation
The 14th edition of SunChild IEF is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, focusing on the protection of species, habitats, ecosystems, and the intricate relationships that sustain life on Earth. Films and events within the festival will explore biodiversity loss, human impacts on nature, conservation efforts, restoration initiatives, and pathways toward ecological resilience in Armenia, the South Caucasus region, and globally.
By highlighting both the challenges and solutions related to biodiversity conservation, the festival seeks to inspire responsibility, dialogue, and action among diverse audiences.
Official selection
Nomination Category: Feature-Length Environmental Films (Competition)
Film Name: Dandelion’s Odyssey
Director: Momoko Seto
Country: France
Runtime: 1hr 16min.
Nomination Category: Non-Competition: Environmental Education & Awareness
Film Name: My Neighbor Totoro
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Country: Japan
Runtime: 1hr 26min.
Nomination Category: Non-Competition: Environmental Education & Awareness
Film Name: How To Live on Earth
Director: Fredi Devas
Country: United Kingdom
Runtime: 1hr 35min
Nomination Category: Non-Competition: Environmental Education & Awareness
Film Name: A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough
Director: James Reed, Callum Webster
Country: United Kingdom
Runtime: 1hr 30min
JURY
Feature-Length Environmental Films (Competition)
Josh Moyar
Sabyesachi Bharti
Joyce Hwang
Short Environmental Films (Competition)
Artur Vadikyan
José Kok
Alex Zavarzi
John Burton Conservation Award
Vahagn Ter-Hakobyan
Andy Orchard
Craig Daniel Leon
Youth Voices for Biodiversity – Documentary (Competition)
Alex Zavarzi
AWARDS
The trophies of the SunChild International Environmental Festival are unique handmade artworks created from recycled metals. These unique art works are designed and created by a distinguished artist, founder of Baghdasar Studio Sargis Baghdasaryan.
Feature-Length Environmental Films (Competition)
Short Environmental Films (Competition)
John Burton Conservation Award
SunChild 14th International Environmental Festival has 4 nominations
Feature-Length Environmental Films (Competition)
Documentary films addressing biodiversity conservation, environmental degradation, species protection, ecosystem restoration, and human–nature relationships.
Films released after March 2025 are eligible.
Duration: 45 minutes to 3 hours.
For longer films, please contact SunChild IEF.
Short Environmental Films (Competition)
Short documentary or fictional films focusing on biodiversity-related themes, including conservation challenges, local and global environmental stories, and innovative solutions.
Films released after March 2025 are eligible.
Duration: 5–45 minutes.
John Burton Conservation Award
Named in honor of the late conservationist John Burton, this award recognizes outstanding films about individuals and initiatives dedicated to protecting nature and biodiversity worldwide.
The award celebrates strong directorial vision and impactful storytelling about conservation leaders and changemakers.
Films released after March 2025 are eligible.
Non-Competition: Environmental Education & Awareness
This non-competitive program welcomes films that contribute to environmental education and public awareness on a broad range of ecological topics, including biodiversity, climate, wildlife, and sustainability.
Films of any genre released before March 2023 are eligible.
Duration: 5 minutes to 2 hours.
For shorter or longer films, please contact SunChild IEF.
Youth Voices for Biodiversity – Documentary (Competition)
This category is dedicated to environmental documentaries created by young filmmakers. In line with UN standards, youth are defined as individuals aged 15–24.
At least one key creative role (director, co-director, or lead producer) must be held by a filmmaker within this age range. The category highlights youth perspectives on biodiversity conservation, environmental challenges, and solutions shaping the future.
Films released after March 2024 are eligible.
Duration: 5–120 minutes.