MAFF | Matsalu Nature Film Festival (Matsalu loodusfilmide festival)

MAFF | Matsalu Nature Film Festival

Matsalu loodusfilmide festival

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Nature films and photography share the programme of the Matsalu Nature Film Festival (MAFF) in Lihula, western Estonia, beside Matsalu National Park. Its international documentaries explore wildlife, conservation, environmental sustainability and the relationships between people and nature, including indigenous communities. The competition has two categories, Nature and Man and Nature, judged by filmmakers and nature specialists.

The festival dates back to 2003. Alongside screenings, it presents nature photography exhibitions, workshops, educational activities for schoolchildren and discussions; selected films also travel to venues across Estonia. The organiser is the non-profit MTÜ Matsalu Loodusfilmide Festival in cooperation with the Lääneranna municipal government. The announced dates for the 2027 edition are 22 September–3 October 2027.

Country

Estonia

Focus

Documentary, Nature and ecology

Categories

Documentary

Dates

22 September 2027 — 3 October 2027

Awards and prizes

The international competition awards a Grand Prix for Best Film (€5,000). Nature and Man and Nature each have awards for Best Director and Best Cinematography (€1,000 each), Best Editing, a Special Jury Prize and a Special Mention. The festival also presents an Audience Award and special prizes. The egg trophies are created by metal artist Merilin Pedastsaar.

Festival rules

For the 2027 edition, eligible creative documentaries run 20–100 minutes and are completed in 2025–2027. Entries are free and submitted through FilmFreeway in Nature or Man and Nature; the festival determines final category placement. Films freely available to the public are ineligible. Preview screeners must be private, password-protected or unlisted, in English or with English subtitles. Entries include three stills, credits, technical details, contact information, a 100–150-word synopsis and a trailer or teaser. Selected competition films require time-coded English subtitles or dialogue and Latin species names where applicable. Screening copies are MP4 or MOV. A binding entry form prevents withdrawal; a €500 withdrawal fee applies. Entrants warrant screening rights and authorise festival screenings without fees; additional screenings require producer or distributor consent.

Contacts

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