FAQ
What exactly is Wilderland Film Festival?
Wilderland film festival collects and screens wildlife films in different locations around the UK, each event lasts just an evening so you have a couple of hours to see only the best films of the year we’ve had submitted by some amazing filmmakers from across the world.
What kind of films can I see there?
We take all kinds of films into the festival as long as there is a wildlife connection, whether this is animal behaviour, conservation or humans in nature. Ranging from urban habitats to the true 'wilderlands' of the world, we will be showing a variety with one thing in common - we think they’re brilliant!
What are the aims of Wilderland?
Wilderland aims to promote and screen the best independent wildlife films of the last two years. By showing these films, excitement and knowledge about the natural world can be passed on to the public where a difference can be made.
Wilderland aims to bring together like-minded people from all walks of life, young and old, to co-operate and create real change through the medium of film.
Through the Wilderland vote, we aim to bring attention to species that are in danger of extinction in the hopes of changing their fate.
Most of all, Wilderland aims to make the world a better place.
Why should I choose Wilderland festival over others?
Wilderland festival is one of the only festivals in the world which is truly focused on wildlife conservation. Broadcast television is limited to avoiding certain subjects, one of these is intense conservation messages. We applaud changes in this, most recently led by Our Planet, but we love independent films for the freedom they grant. By contributing to this festival by buying a ticket or submitting a film you are directly helping towards conservation filmmaking work.
Who judges my film?
Wilderland has a judging panel of industry leading specialists who decide which films make it to screen at our events, this means that this festival is one of the best ways to get your work seen by people working (and hiring) inside the television industry. These judges will be keeping their eyes out for talented filmmakers so it is definitely worth submitting and getting your films seen.
How do I submit my film?
You can find more details on our SUBMIT page, we use FilmFreeway which is a trusted site dedicated to delivering films to festivals. Just sign up, pay your entry fee and upload your film, we’ll take it from there!
Make sure you read the rules first!
What else do I need to submit with my film?
Alongside your film you must submit:
A trailer (if it is more than 10 minutes long)
A high-resolution photo of the filmmaker(s)
We prefer you to also submit:
Links to any social media connected to the film or you as a filmmaker, if you don’t have any you need not include any. We like to connect our social media to our filmmakers when possible.
Up to 4 high-resolution pictures shot on location for us to use to publicise you, your film and the festival. You will always be credited and linked on appropriate social media.
I submitted my film but haven’t heard back, have you received it?
We receive many submissions and so we won’t always be able to contact you straight away but we endeavour to get back to you within 2-3 business days. If we haven’t got back to you in this timeframe we’re probably working hard on the festival, please give us 7 days before you follow up.
Do I have to be a professional filmmaker to enter?
No, absolutely not! We welcome filmmakers from all walks of life, whether you’re a student or a veteran filmmaker if you’re an animator or a vlogger. We want to screen a variety of perspectives in our events so you could be exactly what we’re looking for.
If I am an amateur is there any point trying to submit in this festival?
Just because you may not have been making films for very long does not mean you should dismiss festivals as a resource. We want to show films from a diversity of people, places, and positions. Also, keep an eye on our social media and website, we are very keen to support new filmmakers to achieve their goals and will be launching several campaigns to aid in this throughout 2020.
Can I come to a screening event?
Yes, we will be selling tickets on the tickets page, just click the venue you would like to attend and follow the steps to purchase your tickets.
What is the Wilderland vote?
Audiences will also have the opportunity to support the effort to save some of our planet's most endangered species. At each show, the audience will be invited to vote for one of five endangered species identified by the festival's corresponding Widlerland Vote. Votes will be counted each night and, at the end of the tour, the Wilderland team will embark on a journey to make a film about the most voted- for species, raising awareness of its plight and encouraging support for grassroots charities working to help them. The resulting film will be premiered at the next Wilderland Film Festival and funded by a percentage of profits from the festival.
When is the submission deadline?
Submission deadlines and prices can be found on our SUBMIT page, there are different brackets to choose from and they get cheaper the earlier you submit, so plan ahead! We want you to submit as early as possible to get your films safely into the selection stage, get in quick before those deadlines close in.
How do I pay my submission fee?
We use Filmfreeway in our submission process, this easy to use platform is designed for filmmakers and is completely free to use. The Wilderland festival fee can be submitted very easily through there when you upload your video, just follow the simple steps.
Can I enter my film if I’ve entered other festivals or posted it online?
Yes, we do not insist on any kind of exclusivity to our festival, all appropriate films are welcome.
I’ve missed the deadline, what do I do?
Please email info@wilderlandfestival.com, we try to be flexible whenever we can but in the interest of fair play, we cannot accept any once the judges have commenced viewing.
What do I do if something changes and I need to edit my submission?
No changes to the film will be accepted except in rare circumstances. If contact information or something else needs changing then please email info@wilderlandfestival.com.
When will the selections be decided upon?
The final submission date is the 1st of February 2020 and we aim to get films viewed by our judges as soon as possible after that, we aim to release the program before the end of February.
I’m not from the UK, can I still enter?
Of course! Wilderland is invested in diversity in all parts of the festival, we encourage entrants and guests from every corner of the globe.
How will the submitted films be judged?
The pool of films will be cut down to the best to be shown to our panel of industry judges. The judging panel will then watch the films and vote on the very best to be screened at the festival.
Can I bring my children to the festival?
Suitable for ages 12+ - Under 12’s recommended to have adult supervision. Some films may contain material inappropriate for younger viewers.
My film is over 50 minutes, can I still submit it?
Films over 50 minutes will not be considered for the festival. If you would like to cut a version short enough for the festival we would be happy to accept it. Please check the SUBMIT page for the submission deadline.
Help, I can’t submit my film through FilmFreeway and the deadline is coming up!
It will be okay, please email us at info@wilderlandfestival.com and we will be in contact. As long as you email before the deadline and sort it out as soon as possible we will submit you under the appropriate time bracket deadline.
I have changed my mind and don’t want to submit my film, can I get a refund?
We’re sorry, refunds are not available for submitted films. We can remove your film for consideration but neither money nor any submitted materials can be returned to you. Our apologies.