The SunChild International Environmental Festival was founded in 2006 by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets and SunChild NGO. It is the only such event in the entire South Caucasus. Currently, when we are all faced with countless environmental problems and the challenges they pose, SunChild aims to form a platform for discussions, consolidation, the search for new sustainable solutions and the creation of partnerships.
Over the course of its more than 15 years of history, the festival has screened hundreds of films from all over the world. However, the festival agenda offers a wide variety of other events as well. During the festival days, you can participate in various workshops, visit exhibitions, join the Animal Masquerade, attend interesting meetings, enjoy concerts and much more. We strive to make all these events as colorful and attractive as possible, ensuring an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Every year, nature-loving individuals from Armenia and abroad come together during the festival days, sharing a common goal: to raise public awareness of the challenges facing the Earth. However, our work is not limited to a few festival days: after the festival, the best films are shown in the regions of Armenia, targeting teenagers and young people. Film screenings and subsequent discussions have long become an awaited event for nature-loving youth.
And so, the SunChild International Environmental Festival encourages everyone to unite, learn, and take action. SunChild is a reminder that despite the complex challenges that sometimes seem beyond our capabilities, we can come together to celebrate nature, learn from each other, and create innovative solutions.
Founder of the SunChild IEF
Director of the SunChild IEF
Film Program Manager
Public Relations Manager
Illustration and Art direction, graphic designer
RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR 2026 SUBMISSIONS
The following Rules and Guidelines govern film submissions to the SunChild 14th International Environmental Festival (SunChild IEF), which will take place in September 2026 in Armenia, in parallel with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP17.
Compliance with these Rules and Guidelines is required for participation in the Festival. Submission of a film implies unconditional acceptance of these Rules. If you have any questions, please contact us at film@fpwc.org.
Film Categories
SunChild IEF accepts submissions in the following categories:
• Feature-Length Environmental Films / Documentaries (Biodiversity Conservation)
(over 60 minutes)
• Short Environmental Films / Documentaries (Biodiversity Conservation)
(5–45 minutes)
• Youth Voices for Biodiversity – Documentary
(At least one key creative role held by a filmmaker aged 15–24, in line with UN standards)
• John Burton Conservation Award
(Films about conservationists and conservation initiatives)
• Non-Competition: Environmental Education & Awareness
Detailed descriptions of each category are available in the Event Description.
Eligibility
• Films eligible for Feature-Length, Short, and John Burton Award competition sections must have had their first public screening after March 2025.
• Films eligible for Youth Competition must have had their first public screening after March 2024.
• Films eligible for the Non-Competition section may have been released before March 2023.
Submission Rules
1. The entrant(s) submitting the film must hold all legal rights for the submission and possess all necessary clearances for public exhibition. Filmmakers retain all intellectual property and submission rights.
2. Only online submissions are accepted. Entries submitted by post, email, or any other format will not be considered.
3. The submission deadline for preselection is June 1, 2026.
The Festival reserves the right to refuse late submissions.
4. Upon official selection (competition or non-competition), applicants agree to provide:
o A trailer via a non-expiring online link or HD file;
o Localization materials (English dialogue list, spotting list if available);
o A screener and poster artwork.
o Other related materials.
5. All materials must be delivered digitally clearly stating the local and English titles of the film in the email subject line. Physical media (hard drives, USBs, etc.) will not be accepted.
6. Filmmakers may submit multiple films, provided each film is submitted separately and meets all festival guidelines.
7. The Selection Committee’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Due to volume, the Festival cannot provide individual feedback on unsuccessful submissions.
8. Entrants may contact film@sunchild.am to confirm receipt of submissions. Filmmakers submitting via FilmFreeway may track their status directly on the platform.
9. SunChild IEF accepts DCP and non-DCP formats. Technical requirements will be communicated individually upon selection. Feature-length films are strongly encouraged to provide a DCP when available.
10. Each film may be screened up to three times during the Festival. Award-winning films may receive one additional screening on the final day.
11. All films must be submitted in English or with English subtitles. Selected films will be screened in their original language with English and Armenian subtitles.
12. SunChild IEF reserves the right to use excerpts, stills, and images from selected films for promotional and marketing purposes.
13. Final selection results will be announced by August 30, 2026.
14. The Festival reserves the right to modify screening formats, schedules, or events due to public health, safety, or regulatory requirements. In such cases, submission fees are non-refundable.