Registration for the 14th edition of the Ecospeaker Film Festival is open until January 15th, considered the most important audiovisual event in South America focused on socio-environmental issues.
Short films, medium-length films and feature films made from 2023 onwards can participate. Registration is free.
Organized by OSC Ecospeaker, the event includes two competitive sections: the Territories and Memory Competition and the Ecospeaker short Competition.
The Territories and Memory Competition is aimed at Brazilian productions or co-productions that raise issues linked to one or more territories of the country and/or that address themes linked to individual or collective memories.
All films entered must address issues related to socio-environmental issues, such as energy, water, climate emergency, consumption, work, conventional peoples, ethnic-racial issues, gender issues, LGBTQIA+ rights, social inequality, activism, public policies, cities , mobility, mobility, housing, food, solid waste, contamination, pollution, health, economy, globalization, biodiversity and sustainability, among others.
The rules and registration form for the Territories and memory Competition are available available on the website.
On the Ecospeaker Film Show
Inaugurated in 2012, the Ecospeaker Film Festival is an annual, entirely free film event and its 14th edition will take place in Sao Paulo in June 2025. It is created by Ecospeaker,a non-profit institution whose goal is sustainable progress.
The Ecospeaker Film Festival contributes to the dissemination of important and award-winning rare cinematographic works to the Brazilian public. Through films and debates, it aims to broaden and enrich the national film scene, access to films and socio-environmental discussions that broadly involve our society.
How dose the Ecospeaker Film Festival support emerging filmmakers in South America?
Interview with Dr. Clara Mendes, Ecosocial Film Expert at the Ecospeaker Film Festival
By Time.news Editor
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mendes. The 14th edition of the Ecospeaker Film Festival is set to take place in June 2025, with registration open until January 15th. Can you tell us more about this festival and its significance in the context of socio-environmental issues in South America?
Dr. Mendes: Thank you for having me.The Ecospeaker Film Festival is indeed a crucial platform for filmmakers and audiences alike. Since its inception in 2012, it has served as the foremost audiovisual event in South America focusing on socio-environmental issues. The festival not only showcases films but also stimulates dialog around pressing topics such as climate change, social inequality, and biodiversity. The opportunity for both emerging and established filmmakers to present their work fosters a sense of community and activism within the film industry.
Editor: The festival features two competitive sections: the Territories and Memory Competition and the Ecospeaker Short Competition. Could you explain how these competitions differ and what they aim to achieve?
Dr. Mendes: Absolutely. The Territories and Memory competition specifically targets Brazilian productions or co-productions that delve into themes related to individual or collective memories and how they intersect with various territories across Brazil. It’s a chance for filmmakers to explore the cultural narratives tied to their regions.
On the other hand, the Ecospeaker Short Competition invites a broader range of films that address socio-environmental issues. This could include pressing topics like climate emergency, ethnic-racial issues, and much more. Both competitions serve to highlight how cinema can be a powerful tool for advocacy and communication regarding sustainability and social justice.
Editor: With film entries invited from 2023 onwards and no registration fee, how accessible do you think this festival is for filmmakers?
Dr. Mendes: the free registration is a significant step towards democratizing access to the festival. It allows both new voices and seasoned filmmakers to compete without financial barriers. The festival actively encourages diverse storytelling and unique perspectives, which can only enrich the societal discourse on socio-environmental issues.This accessibility means we can anticipate a larger variety of films, which ultimately benefits everyone involved.
editor: What insights or messages do you hope filmmakers will convey through their submissions at the Ecospeaker Film Festival?
Dr. Mendes: I’m hopeful that filmmakers will not only raise awareness of socio-environmental issues but also inspire action. Through powerful narratives, they can connect emotionally with audiences, instigating discussions that lead to real-world impact. We wont films to act as catalysts for change, whether that’s promoting enduring practices or advocating for marginalized communities. Each submission is an opportunity to educate, provoke thought, and drive engagement.
Editor: Lastly, what practical advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers looking to submit their work to the Ecospeaker Film Festival?
Dr.Mendes: First and foremost, I encourage filmmakers to select topics they are genuinely passionate about — authenticity resonates with audiences. Ensure that yoru film addresses the socio-environmental themes highlighted in the festival guidelines. Thoroughly read the rules and guidelines available on the festival’s website to understand the submission criteria fully. don’t shy away from creative storytelling; unique artistic approaches can convey powerful messages effectively.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mendes, for shedding light on the Ecospeaker film Festival and its vital role in the film industry and socio-environmental advocacy. We look forward to seeing the impactful works that emerge from this year’s competition.
Dr. Mendes: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see the submissions and the conversations they will provoke within our society.