Jackson Wild Announces Official Selections for 2026 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase
JACKSON, Wyo. / GENEVA. – Jackson Wild has announced the official film selections for the 2026 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase, presented in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In alignment with the 2026 World Wildlife Day theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage, and Livelihoods,” this year’s showcase celebrates the vital connection between biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and human well-being. The four selected films explore stories rooted in culture, conservation, and community, highlighting how the protection of medicinal and aromatic plants supports ecosystems, sustains livelihoods, and preserves generations of ancestral wisdom.
OFFICIAL SELECTION FILMS:
CAFÉ Y AVES
Roshan Patel, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Indian Sandalwood
DAISY SKY
Plant Path
Karthic SS, Think Nature
Waiting for Alstonia
A film by Elodie Freymann
“We’re proud to help shine a spotlight on stories that are too often underappreciated — stories of medicinal and aromatic plants, and of the communities whose knowledge and care sustain them. These films remind us that protecting biodiversity is inseparable from protecting health, heritage, and livelihoods.”
— Christie Quinn, Executive Director of Jackson Wild
"Storytelling is a powerful catalyst for conservation, inspiring governments, the private sector, civil society and individuals to take urgent action to ensure that wild species continue to thrive in their natural habitats. As we shine a light on stories of sustainable use and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants for United Nations World Wildlife Day 2026, the Jackson Wild Film Showcase highlights with beautiful imagery that these species are essential for the resilience of our planet and human health and well-being, especially for Indigenous Peoples and local communities. These stories give us hope that by harnessing our collective efforts, we can achieve the common targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the CITES Strategic Vision and live in harmony with nature for generations to come. Congratulations to the selected filmmakers for elevating these vital stories."
– Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES
2026 marks the tenth World Wildlife Day Showcase competition jointly organized by Jackson Wild, the Secretariat of CITES, and UNDP as part of the annual global World Wildlife Day celebrations. Together, the partners continue to champion the power of storytelling to inspire stewardship, elevate underrepresented voices, and foster a deeper understanding of humanity’s relationship with the natural world.The official selections were announced as part of the UN World Wildlife Day 2026 celebrations on March 3rd. All films will be available to screen online for free through December 31, 2026, offering educators, community groups, and audiences around the world the opportunity to engage with these powerful stories on their own schedules.
View the full list of 2026 films and stream at:https://www.jacksonwild.org/world-wildlife-day-2026
Audiences are encouraged to stay tuned for announcements about in-person educational screenings, which will be shared as they are organized throughout the year.
For more information, visitwww.jacksonwild.org.
