Award Categories 2023

Filmlength > 20 min

The award jury will select the best film of the festival from all nominated films.

All submitted films with a run-time > 20 minutes are automatically considered for this non-selectable category.

Donator: Stadt Eckernförde

Endowment: 10.000,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For the nature film that best inspires audiences to protect and preserve nature through striking depictions of its beauty, diversity and endangerment.

All nominated films with a run time > 20 min are automatically considered for this non-selectable category.

Donator: Heinz Sielmann Foundation

Endowment: 10.000,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For the production that displays the most outstanding cinematography. Criteria: 

• Visual aesthetics, lighting/atmosphere, continuity
• Meaningful use of special effects and new cinematographic technology

Donator: Wilhelm Siemsen GmbH & Co. KG

Endowment: 2.500,- Euro

Filmlength from 40 up to 60 min

From all submitted films between 40 and 60 minutes in length, the nomination jury selects three productions that are not nominated in any other category, but which, when viewed comprehensively, are of exceptional quality or have particular strengths that are not considered in the other competition categories.

The selected productions are shown as part of a state-wide film tour in Schleswig-Holstein and the audience chooses the winning film by voting card.

Donator: Schleswig-Holsteinischer Zeitungsverlag

Endowment: 2.500,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For an outstanding documentary on nature in the North of Europe* and/or the stories of the people who care for, shape and defend it.

*(Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, the coastal regions of Poland and Germany)

Donator: Ministerium für Energiewende, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Natur

Endowment: 2.500,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For the best journalistic investigative treatment of an environmental topic with a captivating plausible story.

Donator: NABU

Endowment: 2.500,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For the nature film that stands out through unusual, surprising approaches. This can be done, for example, through a special story, unusual camera work or experimental use of music. Films should be submitted here that the "classic" categories do not do sufficient justice to, especially low-budget productions.

All genres are welcome.

Donator: Stiftung Natur im Norden

Endowment: 2.500,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For the best nature film by a true newcomer to the industry. Newcomers do not include people with experience in the industry whose focus of activity has changed, e.g. who have merely switched from camera to production.A filmography is mandatory.

Donator: Stiftung Natur im Norden

Endowment: 2.500,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For a film with a continuously captivating story

• Originality of plot and/or concept
• Dramaturgical plotline, including an intriguing opening, keeping the audience enthralled throughout the production

Donator: Kieler Nachrichten

Endowment: 1.000,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

This award rewards the best composed music score and its dramaturgical use in nature films. Criterias: 

• Creativity supporting the visuals -
• Sensitive support of content

Donator: Allianz Generalvertretung Thomas Grötsch e.K.

Endowment: 1.000,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For the best post production – the interaction of editing, animation, mixing of music, speech, effects and color correction.

Donator: Wirtschaftskreis Eckernförde e.V.

Endowment: 1.000,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For the best scientifically based documentation about the complexity of ecological systems. Focus must be on flora and fauna, their dependency on e.g. climate change or human interference and their ability to adapt to changing conditions.

Donator: Stiftung Naturschutz Schleswig-Holstein

Endowment: 1.000,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For the best nature film that is predominantly set in or on the sea and/or has the sea as its primary theme.

Donator: Waldemar Behn GmbH

Endowment: 1.000,- Euro

Filmlength > 20 min

For the best program targeting a young audience. The Winner will be determined by the Juvenile Jury.

Donator: Rotary Club Rendsburg-Mittelholstein

Endowment: 1.000,- Euro

Filmlength < 20 min

The Audience Award honors the best short film that deals with nature, environmental and/or animal themes. This award is chosen by the audience after a short film jury has nominated the films. Open to all genres.

Donator: Blickpunkt Brillen

Endowment: 500,- Euro

Filmlength < 20 min

The Audience Award honors the best short film that presents nature, environmental and/or animal topics in an understandable way for 6-12 year olds. This award is chosen by the audience after a short film jury has nominated the films. Open to all genres.

Donator: Gemeinde Damp

Endowment: 500,- Euro