The Climate Film Festival (CFF) New York, in partnership with The Guardian US, will debut Friday, September 20 - Sunday, September 22, at Firehouse: DCTV's Cinema for Documentary Film, 87 Lafayette St. The festival coincides with the opening weekend of Climate Week NYC. CFF is New York City’s premier film festival dedicated to climate-related film and media that break the boundaries and expectations of what climate cinema can be.
“The Climate Film Festival is a place for filmmakers and audiences to engage with films that defy conventional expectations and inspire new ways of thinking about the world,” said Turnbull. “By organizing a festival on the opening weekend of Climate Week NYC and the UN General Assembly, we’re creating a unique platform for art and storytelling to ignite new conversations among policymakers, changemakers, artists, and New Yorkers of all walks of life.”
Over the weekend, attendees can look forward to a dozen screenings, complemented by thought-provoking panels, expert workshops, and vibrant social events designed to foster dialogue and community engagement. Notable films, special guests, and the full program will be announced closer to the event.
CFF embraces a broad view of climate-related storytelling. Submissions are open through June 3. Films will compete in these juried categories:
- Narrative Short
- Documentary Short
- Narrative Feature
- Documentary Feature
- Episodic
- Early-Career Filmmaker Award
- Audience Choice Award
- Student Select Award from CFF's Student Steering Committee (18-24 yr. old)
“The Climate Film Festival harnesses the transformative power of motion pictures, showcasing new voices, repertory finds, and energizing, human stories. The Guardian US stands at the forefront of climate crisis reporting. Together, we are two mission-aligned media organizations dedicated to driving positive change,” said Joyce Parente, VP of Marketing at the Guardian US.
Climate Week NYC, hosted by Climate Group, a global non-profit, is the largest annual climate event of its kind and brings together leaders from business and government alongside community and grassroots organizations.
"Culture plays a pivotal role in driving the climate conversation forward, and we are thrilled to have the Climate Film Festival as a part of Climate Week NYC this year. Film has become such a growing part of the week that it allows an even more diverse range of audiences to deepen their understanding of climate change and how they can act to make a difference. As we convene leaders and communities from various sectors during Climate Week NYC, integrating cultural initiatives like the Climate Film Festival helps broaden the impact and reach of our efforts, making climate action a more inclusive and engaging endeavor,” says Adam Lake, Head of Engagement, Climate Group North America.
CFF works with local climate community organizations, filmmakers, scientists, policymakers, and writers to spur conversation and action that lasts beyond the festival. The festival showcases new voices, lesser-known archival finds, and complex, unexpected stories. CFF New York actively organizes its programming with the needs of New York City’s diverse constituents in mind, emphasizing local engagement as a key cornerstone of its larger collective vision.
This expanded programming is part of CFF’s mission to rewrite the narrative on climate change, transforming it from an overwhelming topic to a dialogue that can be accessed, discussed, and acted upon. These programs place environmental justice and practical solutions side-by-side with the larger questions posed by climate cinema, aiming not just to raise awareness but also to drive positive, real change.