Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival

Meet the Curators and Jurors: Artistic Focus and PreferencesThe selection and awarding of films at Planet in Focus are guided by experienced programmers and diverse juries with varied expertise in film and environmental issues.

Senior Programmers:Julian Carringtonis a Senior Programmer with a deep commitment tosocial justice and equity, particularly amplifying the voices ofBlack, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) creators and communities. His work with the Racial Equity Media Collective and the For Viola screening series highlights his focus on tackling structural barriers and representing marginalized experiences. He values documentaries that arecourageous, intelligent, compassionate, and demonstrate strong craft and narrative sophistication. Environmental themes are relevant within his programming context at PIF.

Lesley Johnsonis a Senior Programmer with backgrounds in bothfilm production and wildlife/environmental sciences. She works in both documentary and fiction, favoringintimate stories that connect personal transformation with environment and culture. Her interests include Indigenous culture, land-based learning, healing from historical trauma, climate stories, and LGBTQ+ identity. She appreciates films highlightingconnection to the land, presenting solutions and resilience, gaining deep access to subjects, embracing complexity, and utilizing strong visuals and soundto spark discussion and advocacy.

Insights from the 2024 Juries:The 2024 festival juries comprised a diverse group of filmmakers, programmers, and experts, each bringing unique perspectives informed by their professional backgrounds and interests.

Best Canadian Feature Jury:Included documentary filmmakerJean-Philippe Marquis(known for exploring contested geographies and resource extraction with a contemplative style), documentary filmmaker and producerJoan Prowse(focused on environmental and social issues, inspiring change and solutions), and programmerSidney Jang(with extensive experience in environmental film festivals in Korea, prioritizing films on environmental themes, sustainability, and climate change across genres).

Best International Feature Jury:Featured documentary filmmakerDane Dodds(whose work and jury statements emphasize insight, empathy, craft, and exploring complex themes like colonialism and human-nature relationships with nuance), festival directorJuliana Paniagua(co-founder of Colombia’s environmental film festival Festiver, her interests align with the festival’s focus on environmental issues), and film executiveLauren Howes(with a strong background in Canadian Media Art, documentary, experimental, and LGBTQ+ cinema, valuing formal innovation, complex themes, and diverse representation).

Best Canadian Short Jury:Included producerIsabella DiBernardo(focused on project development in documentary and narrative, with an interest in environmental themes, Canadian stories, and socially relevant narratives), festival founderMark Haslam(whose creation of PIF demonstrates a foundational commitment to environmental film), and impact directorAnthony Truong Swan(dedicated to maximizing the social impact of Canadian documentaries, particularly on social justice and environmental themes, valuing films that provoke dialogue and contribute to change).

Best International Short Jury:Consisted of documentary filmmakerCaroline Bacle(whose work explores environmental issues in urban contexts and creates engaging narratives for diverse audiences), festival director and Green Film Network presidentEleonora Isunza(a filmmaker and activist valuing films that inspire action, offer new perspectives, highlight human stories, and possess artistic quality, particularly avoiding purely didactic approaches), and events managerWill Jameson(involved with One World Media and international festivals, likely valuing powerful storytelling on underreported issues, diverse voices, and films promoting cross-cultural understanding).

This diverse pool of expertise indicates that PIF juries appreciate films that are not only thematically relevant but also exhibit strong artistic merit, nuanced storytelling, and a potential for impact.

Insights from Recent Award-Winning FilmsLooking at the 2024 award winners provides concrete examples of the types of films that resonate with Planet in Focus’s mission and juries.

Best Canadian Feature: Fairy Creekby Jen Muranetz. This film dives into Canada’s largest act of civil disobedience around old-growth logging. Its success highlights the festival’s interest inurgent, high-profile environmental topicswith social justice dimensions. The film’s use ofcinema vérité and frontline footageprovidesdeep accessto the protest, showcasinghuman stories and resiliencyamidst conflict. It embracescomplexity and multiple perspectives, including internal debates and tensions, prompting audience reflection and discussion.

Best Canadian Short: Edaxàdets’eetè / We Save Ourselvesby Sadetło Scott. This short documentary connects Indigenous language revitalization and climate action, rooted in the filmmaker’s personal experience during a wildfire evacuation. Its win underscores the value placed onauthentic and personal perspectives, particularly fromIndigenous communitiesdirectly affected by climate change. The film’s ability to convey a powerful,intersectional messageabout land connection and resilience within a concise runtime is a key strength.

Best International Feature: Made in Ethiopiaby Xinyan Yu & Max Duncan. This film explores globalization and Chinese investment in Ethiopia through the perspectives of three women. Its recognition demonstrates an appreciation fornuanced, multi-perspective, character-driven narrativesthat lift the curtain on complex global dynamics without resorting to simple heroes or villains. The film tackles broad issues like development, tradition, and welfare through intimate human stories.

Best International Short: For Youby Luca Paulli. Framed as a letter from a father to his son, this animated short weaves themes of hope for the future with an uncertain horizon, implicitly touching on environmental concerns. Its success suggests that the festival values films that integrate environmental themes intopersonal, emotionally resonant narratives, demonstrating the power of film to connect on a profound level and inspire a positive perspective even in the face of challenges. The use ofanimationto explore dramatic topics and convey a universal message is a notable artistic strength.

Mark Haslam Award: Tea Creekby Ryan Dickie. This film documents a Tsimshian farmer’s mission to promote Indigenous food sovereignty. It exemplifies the festival’s interest in films that showcasesolutions and resiliencein response to environmental and social challenges, particularly fromIndigenous perspectives. The film effectively links current issues tosystemic context(colonization), utilizesstrong visualsto emphasize connection to the land, and integratescompelling human storiesto make the themes relatable, balancing urgency with hope.

These winning films collectively highlight that PIF seeks films that are not only environmentally relevant but also artistically strong, emotionally engaging, and offer diverse, often human-centered perspectives on complex issues, frequently with an emphasis on social justice and potential for positive change.

The Submission Process: How to Submit Your FilmSubmitting your film to Planet in Focus is primarily handled through the FilmFreeway platform.

Key Details for Submission:Platform:Submissions are accepted viaFilmFreeway.

Deadlines (for the 2025 festival):Opening Date: January 28, 2025Earlybird Deadline: March 12, 2025(March 10, 2025 also listed)Regular Deadline: April 21, 2025Final Deadline: May 29, 2025(May 28, 2025 also listed)Submission Fees:Fees vary depending on the submission deadline and the length of the film (Short, Mid-Length, Feature). Gold Member pricing is available.

Filmmakers should consult the official FilmFreeway page for the most current fee structure.

Presentation/Formats:Accepted films will be screened bothin cinema (at the Paradise Theatre)andonline via the CineSend digital platform, which is geo-blocked to Canada. You will need to provide a complete source file for the online platform.

Filmmaker Availability:Filmmakers with selected films should be available topre-record a Q&A session and/or participate in a panel discussionscheduled in September before the festival.

Consent:By participating, you grant PIF the right to use excerpts of your film for promotional purposes. You also warrant that you are authorized to submit the film and agree to indemnify PIF against claims related to copyright, etc.

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Educational Tours:All submissions, regardless of festival selection, are considered for the Planet in Focus Foundation Educational Tours. If selected for a school tour or screening (between January and June after the festival), you will be contacted.

Pros and Cons of Submitting to PIFBased on the provided sources, here is a balanced look at the advantages and potential drawbacks of submitting to Planet in Focus:Pros:Strong Thematic Focus:PIF is Canada’s leading environmental film organization and the only festival in Canada exclusively focused on environmental films, broadly defined.

Significant Platform:The festival provides exposure for both Canadian and international films in Toronto and through year-round programs. It is a Canadian Screen Award Qualifying festival.

Filmmaker Support:PIF pays screening fees to officially selected films. They offer an Industry Conference with networking, workshops, and master classes, and the Green Pitch Award provides significant funding for a new production. Filmmakers have opportunities to network and engage with audiences.

Reputation and Reach:As a long-running, well-organized festival, and a member of the Green Film Network, PIF has a strong international reputation. Reviewers highlight the attentive communication and potential for publicity.

Engaged Audience:The festival attracts a passionate audience dedicated to environmental issues.

Commitment to Diversity:PIF actively seeks to include and encourage diverse perspectives in its programming and juries.

Cons:Premiere Requirements:A city premiere in the Toronto area is required for festival selection.

Geo-blocking:The online screenings are restricted to Canada.

Availability for Q&A:Filmmakers need to be available for pre-recorded Q&A sessions.

Submission Fees:There are fees associated with submitting your film.

Potential for Dated Information:Some positive reviews regarding hospitality and travel support are several years oldand may not reflect current festival policies.

Final Recommendations for Filmmakers

To maximize your chances of selection and benefit from participating in the Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival, consider the following:

Focus on Impactful Themes: Films that strongly align with environmental issues, broadly defined to include social, political, and cultural dimensions, are most suitable. Films addressing climate change, conservation, resource extraction, food security, and sustainable solutions are particularly relevant.

Integrate Social Justice: Given PIF’s stated solidarity with marginalized communities and the interests of its programmers and jurors, films that explore environmental issues through the lens of social justice, equity, Indigenous rights, or amplify diverse voices (especially BIPOC, Indigenous, LGBTQ+) are highly likely to resonate.

Showcase Solutions and Resilience:

Films that offer hope and highlight practical solutions, community resilience, and positive actions in the face of environmental challenges may stand out, aligning with the festival’s goal to inspire change.

Craft Compelling Narratives: Whether documentary or fiction, strong storytelling, engaging characters, and a clear narrative approach are highly valued. Consider approaches that are nuanced, contemplative, or challenge conventional perspectives.

Prioritize Artistic and Technical Quality:

High production values, strong cinematography, effective sound design, and thoughtful editing can significantly enhance your film’s impact and appeal to the juries. Unique visual styles, like animation or innovative use of footage, are also appreciated.

Highlight Personal and Authentic Stories: Films that ground larger environmental or social issues in intimate human experiences and offer authentic perspectives, particularly from affected communities, can be very powerful.

Emphasize Potential for Engagement:

If your film is suitable for educational settings, community screenings, or is designed to spark dialogue and action, be sure to highlight this in your submission materials.

Utilize the Festival’s Opportunities:If your film is selected, take advantage of the Industry Conference, networking events, and audience engagement opportunities to connect with peers, industry professionals, and a passionate audience.

By understanding the mission, priorities, and the types of films that have succeeded at Planet in Focus, filmmakers can tailor their submissions and presentation to effectively connect with this important environmental film platform.