Award Categories 2023
A competition for documentaries focusing on nature, animal and environmental topics.
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 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 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
The selection jury picks three films that are screened in 14 different locations in Schleswig-Holstein. Audiences cast ballots thus determining the winner.
All entries with a run time over 20 minutes will be automatically considered for this not choosable categoriy
Donator: Schleswig-Holsteinischer Zeitungsverlag
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
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 > 20 min
Award for the best original score and its dramatic use. 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 journalistic investigative treatment of an environmental topic with a captivating plausible story.
Donator: NABU
Endowment: 2.500,- 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
For the best short film – voted on by the audience during the festival. Open to all genres with a focus on nature or animal topics.
Donator: Blickpunkt Brillen
Endowment: 500,- Euro
Filmlength < 20 min
For the best short film for kids – chosen by the audience at the festival. Focus should be on a nature or animal topic.
Donator: Gemeinde Damp
Endowment: 500,- Euro
as of December 2022