We are delighted to announce the finalists of this year's prestigious Panda Awards.

The Nomination Panel met over a week in Bristol and comprised of thirteen judges from nine countries, who represented a wide range of industry skills and backgrounds. The team was also joined by an editor and an earth sciences expert, who helped provide those particular categories with additional expertise. Separate specialist judging panels were assembled for the New Media, Theatrical and Children's Choice Awards (the latter comprising school children in both Bristol and Zimbabwe).

The judges identified 62 films which will go forward to the final jury in October, just prior to the Festival. There were a few notable and outstanding films, the Campaign Award received several entries "...with outstanding creative approaches to environmental issue campaigns...". In the Natural History Museum's Environment Award judges observed that "the large number of entries in this newly created category clearly reflects the growing importance of environmental issues in our world and in the media, where the topic has graduated from the fringe position it held in the not so distant past to a position of prominence. We saw an extraordinary range of subjects and styles, from major series to student films, which both inspired us and made selection difficult. "

Wildscreen would like to pay tribute to Alex Muzi-Falconi. Founder of the Italian not for profit, Progetto Natura, which runs the Valle d'Aosta International Nature Film Festival, Alex was well known to many people in the industry, and had been asked to Chair the Wildscreen Nomination Panel. Sadly, Alex died suddenly at the beginning of the week. We will all miss his joie de vivre, integrity, warmth and generosity of spirit. His family have informed us as to how much Alex had been looking forward to joining the jury, and how honoured and excited he was to have been invited by Wildscreen. Having founded and run his Italian wildlife film festival for 14 years, we very much hope that in the spirit of wildlife filmmaking Alex would have wanted the show to go on, and for the jury to continue without him. He will be missed by us all.

Read the full list of finalist films.

Festival registration opens

Delegate registration is now open - book now to receive the early bird discount and save GBP 135 off the full delegate rate. The delegate rate does not include the Panda Awards' ceremony. Tickets for the Panda Awards' ceremony are sold separately and cost GBP 55.

GBP 445 - Early bird delegate fee (before Friday July 11th)

GBP 580 - Full rate

GBP 235 - Concession rate*

*Limited passes available.

Registering as a delegate for Wildscreen is simple:

1. Log into My Festival (new users will need to register your details).

2. Complete the online delegate registration form.

3. Send in a digital delegate photo.

4. Complete the payments page and confirmation of your delegate place will be sent to you.

Friday July 11th is the deadline for receiving an early bird discount.

Friday August 29th is the closing date for delegate registration.

Sunday October 19th - Friday October 24th - Wildscreen Festival

You can receive regular updates through both this newsletter and the Festival website, www.wildscreenfestival.org. If you have any queries please contact either Nicola Reeves or Sara Hill on +44 (0)117 328 5950 / 5972 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

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