The 2019 festival began on February 21, 2019 and ended on March 2, 2019.
Now entering into its 21st year, the festival is changing its format. It will now take place over two consecutive weekends. The first will follow a format similar to that of the past twenty years, with evening screenings of critically acclaimed and important films from around the world. The second will highlight student and emerging filmmakers, and will offer workshops designed to nurture their original visions and voices.
For over 20 years, the Visions of Nature/Voices of Nature Environmental Film Festival has brought compelling and important films to the Tampa Bay area and the Eckerd College community to raise awareness and promote discussion of matters relating to nature, place and the environment.
Film scholars as well as established and emerging filmmakers from around the world engage the audience in a lively dialogue about the environmental perspectives contained in documentary, animated, experimental and feature films.
All films are free and open to the public. The festival takes place on the Eckerd College campus.
Student film submission contest
2019 Environmental Films
2019 Environmental Film Workshops
“Metamorphosis Journey” Workshop
With Nova Ami & Velcrow Ripper, co-directors of Metamorphosis
Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m. – 12 noon
Metamorphosis Journey is an experiential workshop that explores transformation in the face of planetary emergency. Participants explore the psychological, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the climate crisis, as well as developing personal action steps towards finding hope, meaning and solutions.
Documentary Production Workshop
With Melanie Miller, producer of Inventing Tomorrow
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. – 12 noon
Documentary Directing Workshop
With Jeremy Seifert, co-director of The Devil We Know
Saturday, March 2, 1 – 3 p.m.
Visions of Nature Emerging Filmmakers Panel & Pitch Workshop
Saturday, March 2, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
The Environmental Film Festival is sponsored by The Phoenix Venture Philanthropy Foundation with special thanks to the Eckerd College Letters Collegium, Film Studies program, Environmental Studies program, and Organization of Students.
FESTIVAL VENUE
The state-of-the-art Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium features:
- New Epson 4K 12,000 lumen projector
- DVD and VHS tape video projection capabilities
- 12′ x 26′ projection screen
- 16 JBL surround speakers
- 3 JBL cinema stage speakers
- 374 upholstered, cushioned seats
EMERGING FILMMAKER PROGRAM
On March 1-2, 2019, the festival will host its inaugural group of Visions of Nature Emerging Filmmakers for a two-day program of workshops, panels, and film screenings that will bring together filmmakers, environmentalists, activists, and community members to consider the past, present, and future of moving images in relation to environmental issues. Applicants should be undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent graduates (in the past five years).
How to apply: Submit a film (up to 30 minutes in length), along with a short artist’s statement (about 250 words) that describes your film’s relationship to the festival’s theme. Accepted films will be screened at a public event concurrent with the workshop. Emerging Filmmakers are eligible for a stipend to aid with the cost of travel as well as room and board during the workshop. Complete applications are due January 4, 2019.
2018 Environmental Film Festival Awards
The ballots are in! The awards for the 2018 “Visions of Nature/Voices of Nature” Environmental Film Festival go to:
Audience Choice Award
Denial, directed by Derek Hallquist
Special Jury Award
Albatross, directed by Chris Jordan
