At Rainforest Partnership, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to inspire action and deepen understanding. Each year, Films for the Forest brings together a juried selection of international films that shine a light on environmental challenges and the communities working to protect our planet.
On May 1st, 2026, please join us in Austin, TX at The Rosette where the event will take place beginning with a reception at 6:00pm, followed by the films and a special guest presentation by Pablo Venegas, Scientist and Explorer. The event will conclude with a post-screening gathering.
This year’s juried selections continue that tradition, offering compelling perspectives on conservation, resilience, and the interconnectedness of people and nature. Here are three standout films you won’t want to miss.
CATEGORY: NARRATIVE SHORTS
Micromondes
Directed by Audrey St Laurent, Canada
Audrey St-Laurent wrote and directed Micromondes after several exploratory trips into the forest, then hosted a collaborative workshop to handcraft most of the props. Completely filmed in studio, this dialogue-free short film is a contemplative reflection on our relationship with the ephemeral and our transition between the natural and digital worlds. Micromondes explores the connection between nature and simulation, through ecological transformations, in the light of sustaining hopes toward a bright future.
The Wailing Trees
Directed by Gianpiero Mendini, Italy
Gaia is a sound recordist by trade and by passion – whenever she gets a break from her job in the city, she runs off to the mountains to record the sounds of the woods.
But when she accidentally captures a pained scream that might be a cry for help, she has to make a choice: bury her head in the sand, or leave everything behind to try and rescue the wild nature she loves.
Earth Defender
Directed by Sil van der Woerd, Jorik Dozy, Kynan Tegar, Indonesia
Earth Defender is a joint director collaboration between Jorik Dozy and Sil van der Woerd from Studio Birthplace, and 19 year old Indigenous filmmaker Kynan Tegar. Earth Defender is a music film exposing the lives lost while defending nature. Jorik Dozy & Sil van der Woerd - Co-Directors: “Indigenous and Earth Defender voices must be amplified because they lead some of the most important work on the front line of our climate and human rights crises.”
Why These Films Matter
Together, these films represent the heart of Films for the Forest: amplifying voices, sharing untold stories, and inspiring action. They remind us that protecting forests is not only about preserving biodiversity—it’s about sustaining cultures, livelihoods, and the global climate.
By attending the event, you’re not just watching films—you’re supporting a movement dedicated to protecting one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth.
Join Us
We invite you to experience these stories firsthand at Films for the Forest. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to Rainforest Partnership, this event offers a meaningful way to connect with the mission and be part of the solution.
Tickets to the event can be found HERE.
A link to the livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person.
Information about the event venue, The Rosette, can be found HERE.
More information about Films for the Forest can be found HERE
More information about Rainforest Partnership can be found HERE
Films for the Forest is an annual juried short film collection that uses the power of creative storytelling to convene, empower, and activate global audiences to take action on behalf of the world's forests. The theme for the 2025/2026 competition is: "More Than Trees."
We are honored once again to welcome Oscar-nominated filmmaker Richard Linklater serving as co-host and one of the three judges. Linklater has been involved with Films For The Forest since the competition’s inception in 2010.
Evening Schedule:
6:00-7:00 - Reception
7:00-9:00 - Film Screening
Special Guest: Pablo Venegas, Scientist and Explorer
9:00-10:00 - Post-Event Gathering
