Film of the Month: Wild Stories

Tell nature's stories through film

updated banner image for fotm wild stories competition

Closing date - Tue 30 Jun

Enter Competition

Following the conclusion of Filmmaking for Good, we're back with a brand-new edition of our Themed Film of the Month competition, and this time, we're heading outdoors. Ever since the huge response to our Nature in your Neighbourhood competition back in 2020, we've been keen to return to this theme, encouraging young people to slow down, look closer, and really explore the nature and wildlife that surrounds them.

Through our established Film of the Month competition, we're working with expert partners to inspire young people to explore important topics through film. This round, we're thrilled to be partnering with Wildscreen, a global leader in wildlife storytelling.

One winning filmmaker or group will receive a wildlife filmmaking kit worth £600 including a camera, microphone, and essential adventure equipment to help them get out into nature and capture their next story. Everyone who enters will also be invited to an exclusive online masterclass on wildlife storytelling and how to film responsibly in nature.

Please Note: our always-on Film of the Month competition is still running alongside this special edition. If you have a film unrelated to the Wild Stories theme that you'd like to submit, please visit our regular Film of the Month page.

Do you have a Wild Story to tell?

Wildlife filmmaking is about observation, curiosity, and care. It's about noticing the beauty, drama, and wonder of the natural world and sharing it with others.

Your film could:

Capture the wildlife in your garden, local park, or nearby coast
Tell the story of a species or habitat you care about
Explore the relationship between people and nature
Highlight how we can protect our environment for future generations.

Wildlife isn't just big animals or dramatic landscapes, it can be things found anywhere; plants pushing through pavement cracks, fungi growing on tree stumps, insects in the grass, or even microscopic life in water or soil.

Please note: When filming wildlife, it's important to respect nature and leave it as you found it. Avoid disturbing animals or damaging plants, and never put yourself or others at risk. The best shots come from observing quietly and giving nature space.

Who are Wildscreen?

Wildscreen is an environmental charity that celebrates and supports natural world storytelling. With their Wildscreen Festival, the Panda Awards and NatureStory, they bring together the global wildlife filmmaking community and work to inspire young people to connect with nature through film, photography, and digital media.

Their mission: "To connect people with nature through storytelling, and democratise the creation of and access to nature's stories"

Guidance on making your film

Your film should respond to the theme 'Wild Stories'. We're looking for films that celebrate nature, highlight the importance of biodiversity, or share the simple joy of exploring the outdoors. Your film can be fiction or non-fiction documentary, drama, animation, or experimental. Be creative!

Don't forget, your film doesn't have to be the next Blue Planet. Current popular themes in the wildlife filmmaking world include human connections with nature, human impacts, and stories that show nature facts in an exciting or different way.

The deadline for entries is 12:00 (midday) on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

So, what are you waiting for? Get filming and get your submissions in!

Enter Competition

We recommend you enter using a desktop computer and an up to date browser

Make a short film individually or as a group that responds to the theme - Wild Stories - and meets the entry criteria listed below.
Enter your film by 12:00 (midday) on Tuesday 30 June 2026 using the entry form above.
In the entry form tell us why you made your film and what inspires you about nature.
Our judging panel will review all entries in July, and we'll contact filmmakers at the beginning of August with the results.

Note: if you are aged 17 or under, you will need a responsible adult to enter your film on your behalf.

While technical filmmaking ability will be considered, we will mainly judge your films on story, creativity and relevance to theme. You don't need expensive equipment to make a great film. In fact, some of the best films we receive are made using only a phone! Judges will use the following criteria to decide on the winning film:

Relevance to Theme
How effectively does your film respond to the theme 'Wild Stories'?

Story and Impact
Does your film tell a clear and engaging story, or offer a strong sense of observation that connects with audiences?

Creativity and Originality
How creatively have you interpreted the theme and approached wildlife filmmaking?

Respect for Nature
Has your film been made responsibly, showing care for wildlife, the environment and personal safety?

Technical Ability
How well do the visuals, sound and editing support your story? Technical skill will be considered in relation to age and experience.

In order to be shortlisted for the judges' consideration, films submitted must meet the following criteria:

Filmmakers must be aged between 5 and 19 years at the time of submission
If aged 17 or under, your film must be submitted by a responsible adult on your behalf
Your film should be no longer than 10 minutes in duration, including title and credits
Any music, images and video content from a third party must be cleared for use by the copyright holder. We suggest only using free library music that can be easily sourced online. Please see our Top Tips for Young Filmmakers sheet for guidance on how to source copyright free music
No surnames of young people aged 17 or under should be used in the film, including the title and end credits. Into Film are committed to the protection and safety of young people, and the addition of surnames in your films can compromise this
Films submitted must not be currently being graded as part of any film qualification Non-Exam Assessment (NEA), or as coursework on a film qualification course (e.g. A Level Film Studies, etc).

We share many of the films we receive from young filmmakers on the Into Film website and on our YouTube channel for other young people to enjoy. Therefore, it is important that the content of your film is appropriate for all audiences. Please keep the following in mind:

We cannot accept films that include swearing and offensive language
Avoid showing risky behaviours, such as drug taking, smoking or excessive violence
If depicting risky behaviour is part of your story, consider whether it is necessary to depict the behaviour explicitly on screen for the audience to understand what is happening.

Disclosure of AI (Artificial Intelligence) Use

If AI tools (e.g. for writing scripts, generating visuals or voices, enhancing editing, or composing music) were used in the making of your film, you must disclose this at the time of submission. This includes, but is not limited to:

Generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT, DALL·E, Runway, Synthesia, Veo, etc.)
AI-assisted editing (e.g. Adobe Sensei features)
AI-generated music or voiceovers

Permissible Use
We encourage creative experimentation, but the use of AI should support your own original ideas and not replace the core creative work of young filmmakers. Examples of acceptable use:

Using AI to generate sound effects or background music in line with copyright compliance
Experimenting with AI-generated imagery as part of a live-action film (e.g. dream sequences, concept visuals)
Using AI as a writing prompt, then adapting it into a wholly original script

Non-Permissible Use
Submissions may be disqualified or marked down if:

Most of the film (e.g. full scripts, animation, voices, music, or visuals) is generated by AI without significant authentic creative input from the entrant
The film includes likenesses or impersonations of real people or existing fictional characters. With the execption of likenesses to historical figures where their inclusion supports the narrative of your film
There is no disclosure of AI use, but judges identify clear signs of significant AI-generated content

Judging Considerations
Judges will take AI use into account as part of their assessment. Films that demonstrate clear creative decisions, personal voice, and originality will be rated more highly than those relying heavily on generative tools.

View full terms and conditions

When filming wildlife, it's important to respect nature and leave it as you found it. Avoid disturbing animals or damaging plants, and never put yourself or others at risk be particularly careful around water or in cold weather. The best shots come from observing quietly and giving nature space.

Filming tip for animals: if they react to you, you're probably too close. A wildlife filmmaker's best friend is a zoom. Keeping your distance makes sure animals aren't stressed and behave naturally. Don't forget to film in as high resolution as possible in case you need to crop later to get the perfect shot!