Nominations for the bi-annual international wildlife TV and film awards have been announced. The Panda Awards dubbed the ‘Green Oscars’ form the centrepiece of the Wildscreen Film Festival which celebrates the very best in natural history filmmaking and takes place in Bristol from 19-24 October.
Wildscreen’s Panda Awards received 488 entries from 42 countries, representing the best in creativity, technological innovation and storytelling from across the industry.
Over 30 UK-made wildlife programmes have made the shortlist across 22 different categories. David Attenborough’s Natural History Museum Alive (Colossus Productions) is shortlisted for awards in six categories, while Bill Bailey’s Jungle Hero (BBC, BBC Worldwide, Science Channel and Glassbox Productions), Chimpanzee (Disneynature) and Leopards: 21st Century Cats (Icon Films for BBC) have also been shortlisted in multiple categories.
“For over 30 years, the Wildscreen Panda Awards and Film Festival has given us an important opportunity to champion wildlife filmmaking and the filmmakers,” said Caroline Copsey, chief executive of Wildscreen, the charity behind the Festival and Awards. “It continues to be one of the most inspiring events in the industry’s calendar and a wonderful chance to nurture new talent while celebrating some of the professions greater achievements.”
International wildlife films shortlisted this year include the USA’s Mysteries of the Unseen World (National Geographic Entertainment), Kenya’s Lion Guardians (Kire Godal for Lion Guardians), Australia’s Sea Eagle (Mint Productions), and New Zealand’s The Last Ocean (Fisheye Films Ltd) amongst entries from as far afield as Japan, Switzerland, Canada and South Africa.
