We are excited to announce the winning films from the Nature inFocus Film Awards 2023.
The number of entries and the quality of the films submitted have been steadily on the rise, and this year has been no different. We are grateful to all the participants and congratulate all the winners.
The results were announced at the Nature inFocus Festival 2023, held at Jayamahal Palace, Bangalore, on July 28, 2023. Scroll down to see the winning films.
Belonging—Pooja Rathod
Winner—India: Funded
Belonging is a story about a fish born in the largest spawning aggregation of Squaretail Groupers. The fish takes us on her journey starting in the turquoise lagoon of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep and later in the deeper waters with vibrant coral reefs where she discovers the aggregation. Written and filmed in first person, it is a story about the wonders of the aggregation and the unforeseen events that jeopardise her survival and the future of the aggregation.
Head Hunters—Prajwal KM
Winner—India: Non–Funded
Unexplained events are occurring within a house. Strange marks, akin to blood stains, are appearing on the walls every day. What could be causing this? A story of discovery leading to a horrifying truth.
Fishing Cat: The Pride of Bengal—Kaushik Mukhopadhyay
Special Mention—India: Non–Funded
The film tells the story of the state animal of West Bengal, India, the Fishing Cat, which remains neglected and a lesser-known species. The filmmaker explores the relationship between the villagers and the wild cat, the threats to the cat, and the local protectors demanding to secure unprotected areas. The film serves as a bridge between scientists, conservationists, policymakers and the local people and has led to the campaign 'Save Wetland, Save Fishing Cat'.
Nature's Magic Moments—Christian Baumeister
Winner—International: Funded
Prepare to be amazed by the wonders of nature! While we may miss out on some of the most remarkable animal behaviours, the film has captured it all. With cutting-edge camera technology, breathtaking super slow-motion, and jaw-dropping time-lapse techniques, the film brings to life the hidden moments of creatures like kingfishers, hares, and bats in a way that will leave you spellbound.
Are climate doomers right?—Aditi Rajagopal
Special Mention—International: Funded
A growing number of people believe that the world is going to end, including Ben Green who is preparing for a world post-climate collapse. But the world's leading scientists and psychologists look into how on the money he is.
Puffin Island—Ishan Amit Vaidya
Winner—International: Non–Funded
Nestled in the Celtic Sea, the pristine island of Skokholm is witness to one of the greatest wildlife gatherings in Britain every spring and summer. Home to one of the largest breeding colonies of Atlantic Puffins in southern Britain, the island takes centre stage as the comic and tragic lives of these enthralling creatures unfold over time.
