The SunChild International Environmental Festival is a unique event that was established back in 2006 by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and SunChild NGO. It's quite special because it's the only environmental festival of its kind in the entire South Caucasus region. In a world where we're facing a myriad of complex issues that could pull us apart, this festival aims to be a place where we can all come together and find common ground. This is crucial because it's only when we unite that we can truly address the challenges our planet is facing and take the necessary steps to safeguard it for the future.
Over its 15-year history, the festival has achieved quite a lot. It has screened over 780 films from 150 different countries. But it's not just about watching movies – the festival offers much more. You can participate in workshops, check out exhibitions, join vibrant marches, attend meetings, enjoy concerts, and so much more. All these events are incredibly colorful and captivating, making the whole experience truly engaging.
Each year, individuals who share a passion for nature, not just from Armenia but also from other parts of the world, gather at the SunChild festival. Their common goal is to raise awareness about the pressing environmental issues our Earth is facing with. But the festival doesn't stay put in one place. It's like a traveling show that goes all around Armenia throughout the entire year engaging youth and children and showing them thought-provoking films, initiating discussions, and igniting enthusiasm for taking action. It’s all about helping these bright young minds understand and find solutions for local environmental problems.
In essence, the SunChild International Environmental Festival l encourages us all to unite, learn, and take action. Festival is a reminder, that despite the intricate challenges our world faces, we can come together to celebrate nature, learn from one another, and craft innovative solutions.
Founder of the SunChild IEF
Director of the SunChild IEF
Film Program Manager
Illustration and Art direction
Graphic Designer
Coordinator of the Youth Program
Art Curator
Public Relations Manager
RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR 2025 SUBMISSIONS
The following explains the Rules and Guidelines governing film submissions to the 2025 SunChild International Environmental Festival (13th Edition). The Festival will take place from September 26th to September 30th, 2025. Compliance with these Rules and Guidelines is necessary to participate in the Film Festival. Submission of a film implies unconditional acceptance of the Rules and guidelines; therefore, please carefully read through the Rules before submitting your film. If you have any questions, please contact us at film@fpwc.org.
The SunChild International Film Festival accepts submissions for films in the following categories:
• Feature-length Documentaries about Symbiosis between Humans and Nature (over 60 min)
• Short Films about Symbiosis between Humans and Nature (from 5 to 59 min)
• John Burton Award: Films about Conservationists
• Non-Competition Films for Environmental Educational/Awareness-Raising
*Learn more about each Film Category in the Event Description
Eligible for “Feature-length Documentaries about Biodiversity Conservation” and “Short Films about Biodiversity Conservation” competitive sections - films that had their first public screening after March 2024
Eligible for “John Burton Award” - films that had their first public screening after March 2024
1. The Entrant/s submitting the film must hold all legal rights for the submission and all necessary clearances for public exhibition. The Filmmaker/s retain/s all submission and intellectual property rights.
2. Entries submitted by post, email, or any form other than online are not eligible for the festival.
3. The deadline for preselection submission is May 30, 2025.
The Festival reserves the right to refuse later submissions.
4. Upon confirmation of the film to the competition or non-competition sections of the Festival, the applicant agrees to:
- Provide a trailer of the film online by a non-expiring link or an HD resolution file;
- Provide materials for localization (dialogue lists in English, spotting list, screener, and poster artwork);
5. Materials must be delivered digitally to film@fpwc.org, stating the local and English titles of the film in the email subject line. The Festival does not accept deliveries on hard drives, USBs, or other physical carriers.
6. Filmmakers can submit more than one film for the Festival, provided each film is submitted separately and meets SCIEF guidelines.
7. The Selection Committee makes the final selection, and its decision is not subject to appeal.
Unfortunately, we cannot leave feedback if your film is not selected.
8. Entrants may contact us at film@fpwc.org to find out if the Festival received their submissions. Filmmakers submitting through FilmFreeway can check their status through the website.
9. SCIEF accepts DCP and non-DCP films for screening. Based on scheduling and circumstance. Each film will receive specific communication about what is needed for film delivery.
We encourage feature films to have a DCP for specific venues.
10. Each film can have no more than three screenings at the festival. If the film wins an award, the organizers will run one extra screening on the last day of the Festival.
11. All films must be submitted in English or with English subtitles (if in a different language). All films in the competition will be screened at the Festival in their original languages with English and Armenian subtitles.
12. SCIEF reserves the right to use images from films selected in the Festival for marketing purposes.
13. The final decision of the Selection Committee will be announced by September 5, 2025.
Applicants acknowledge that SCIEF reserves the right to change the nature of screenings and events due to public health and welfare circumstances or at the direction of local, state, or federal authorities. In such cases, no submission refunds shall be issued.