Wildscreen: Championing Natural History Storytelling and Conservation
Based in Bristol, England, Wildscreen is a registered charity dedicated to the intersection of wildlife conservation and visual storytelling. Founded in December 1987, the organization grew from a trust established in 1982 with a clear mission: to encourage and celebrate excellence in the production of natural history films and television.
The charity was established by visionaries including Sir Peter Scott and Christopher Parsons OBE, the former Head of the BBC Natural History Unit. Today, Wildscreen operates on a global scale, leveraging the power of media to inspire the protection of the natural world.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Founded: December 1987 (Trust active since 1982).
- Location: Bristol, England.
- Primary Event: The Wildscreen Festival, the world's leading international nature film festival.
- Premier Award: The Panda Awards, the highest honor in global wildlife and environmental filmmaking.
- Key Initiatives: Wildscreen ARK, Wildscreen Exchange, and Science in Storytelling.
- Registration: Registered charity no. 299450.
The Wildscreen Festival
The Wildscreen Festival is a biennial event held every October in Bristol. Since its inception in 1982, it has evolved into a global hub where filmmakers, broadcasters, and conservationists gather to view new productions, exchange ideas, and discuss critical environmental issues. In 1994, the festival expanded its scope by merging with a biennial wildlife symposium previously held in Bath.
The Panda Awards and Official Selection
The festival is best known for the Panda Awards, which recognize excellence across various categories including Cinematography, Editing, Music, Sound, and Production Team. In 2020, the awards were revamped to include a Sustainable Production award to promote best practices in the industry.
The 2024 festival, the 42nd edition, was a hybrid event featuring masterclasses, workshops, and a kit show. It introduced new Panda Award categories, such as the Children's Award (sponsored by Wildscreen ARK) and a Special Recognition Award for Field Craft, honoring the vital role of local in-country field crews.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบGlobal Expansion: Nairobi and Tanzania
To foster a more inclusive industry, Wildscreen has expanded its reach beyond the UK. In July 2023, the organization hosted the Wildscreen Festival Nairobi in Kenya, its first international event. This was followed by the Wildscreen Festival Tanzania in Arusha in June 2024, which featured networking events and the "WildPitch Tanzania" session.
Educational and Conservation Initiatives
Beyond the festival, Wildscreen manages several initiatives designed to bridge the gap between science, art, and conservation.
Wildscreen ARK
Launched in February 2024, Wildscreen ARK is the successor to ARKive (a project created by Christopher Parsons that served millions monthly until its retirement in 2019). Wildscreen ARK is a nature education platform specifically designed for teenagers, combining UK nature media with educational resources. It also supports youth talent through a Film and Photography Competition for young people in the West of England.
Wildscreen Exchange
Established in May 2015, the Wildscreen Exchange provides conservation organizations with access to a vast library of over 28,000 images and numerous hours of video. These resources are used globally for fundraising, community outreach, and educational campaigns.
Specialized Events
- Science in Storytelling: An annual event launched in March 2024 in Bristol that connects scientists and storytellers through panels and Q&A sessions.
- WildPhotos: A hybrid symposium held in October 2024 in partnership with the Natural History Museum, London's Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Organizational Structure and Governance
Wildscreen is governed by a board of 10 independent trustees, currently chaired by Laura Marshall (co-founder and CEO of Icon Films). The charity is led by Director Lucie Muir, who was appointed in 2015. Additionally, Wildscreen is a founding member of the Bristol Natural History Consortium, established in 2004.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bristol, England |
| Key Leadership | Lucie Muir (Director), Laura Marshall (Board Chair) |
| Notable Patrons | David Attenborough, HRH Prince Philip, Dr Sylvia Earle, Prof. E. O. Wilson, Dr George McGavin |
| Core Mission | Wildlife conservation through natural history storytelling |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Panda Awards?
The Panda Awards are the highest honors in the global wildlife and environmental film industry, awarded biennially during the Wildscreen Festival to recognize excellence in various production categories.
What is the difference between ARKive and Wildscreen ARK?
ARKive was a massive online nature hub that retired in 2019. Wildscreen ARK, launched in February 2024, is a new nature education platform specifically designed to engage teenagers with the natural world.
How often is the Wildscreen Festival held?
The main Wildscreen Festival is held biennially (every two years) in October in Bristol, England.
What is the Wildscreen Exchange?
The Wildscreen Exchange is a conservation initiative that provides NGOs and conservation organizations with free access to a library of over 28,000 images and videos for use in campaigns and education.
Who founded Wildscreen?
The charity was founded in December 1987 by Sir Peter Scott and Christopher Parsons OBE, among others.