Happy 2026 from Jackson Wild!
NOTE: Content is from the Jackson Wild’s early-January 2026 Newsletter. Deadlines may be out of date depending on when you are reading this. To stay updated on our latest news, subscribe to our newsletter at the footer below.
As the year begins, we’re excited to share what’s ahead: a January in-person event, new opportunities within the Jackson Wild Collective, Films with Impact screenings, and an update on the Media Awards.
Before things fully ramp up, we invite you to revisit some favorite moments from 2025 by following along on Jackson Wild social channels (@jacksonwildorg on Instagram), because the momentum we’re building into this year started with all of you.
Earth Lounge at Sundance
This Friday, January 23, Jackson Wild is thrilled to collaborate with the Hollywood Climate Summit at Sundance’s Earth Lounge. It’s an exciting day dedicated to bringing together the environmental storytelling community.
Earth Lounge is all about meaningful connection. Filmmakers, brands, and professionals who believe in the power of environmentally informed storytelling will be in the room, actively shaping the future together.
We’re excited to be part of this gathering and look forward to hearing about all the amazing connections that’ll take place there — whether you’re developing a project, exploring collaborations, or just enjoying the energy of like-minded peers, Earth Lounge is the place to be. Learn more about Earth Lounge and secure tickets below.
JACKSON WILD FINALISTS ON OSCARS® SHORTLIST
We’re thrilled to share that several Jackson Wild Media Awards finalists and winners have been shortlisted for the 2026 Academy Awards®. This recognition speaks to the power, craft, and global resonance of environmental storytelling within our community.
Congratulations to these incredible teams and storytellers. We’re honored to see Jackson Wild–recognized work represented on this stage, and are cheering you on as we await official nominations this week. Best of luck!
Chasing Time
Exposure Labs
• Oscars® Shortlist: Documentary Short Film
• Jackson Wild Media Awards: Honorable Mention, 2024
Snow Bear
A film by Aaron Blaise
• Oscars® Shortlist: Best Animated Short Film
• Jackson Wild Media Awards: Winner, Planet in Crisis; Finalist, Trailblazer
YANUNI
Malaika Pictures, Appian Way, Nia Tero, Age of Union, Tellux, ÖFI+
• Oscars® Shortlist: Best Documentary Feature
• Jackson Wild Media Awards: Winner, Grand Teton Award; Winner, Feature; Finalist, Planet in Crisis (Long Form); Finalist, People & Nature (Long Form)
January Films with Impact: Science & Nature Shorts
Our FREE Films with Impact screening series continues this January, featuring two of our Nature & Science Shorts from the 2025 Jackson Wild Media Awards.
Energy to Spare and Life Invisible (Winner of the Nature & Science Shorts Category) are now streaming for free! Watch both films anytime before January 31st at watch.eventive.org/jacksonwild, and share them with classrooms, colleagues, and communities who care about science, nature, and impact.
NEW JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES ON THE JACKSON WILD COLLECTIVE
The Jackson Wild Collective continues to grow as a free, global networking platform for storytellers and impact-driven creatives. Below are just a few postings we’ve recently shared to the platform, but many more are in store!
We regularly share new jobs, funding opportunities, recordings, and upcoming events—many of which are highlighted on our Instagram. Keep an eye out for updates, and follow along to stay in the loop.
To explore all current listings and join the community, visit jacksonwildcollective.org and become part of a year-round hub for connection and collaboration.
SUBMISSIONS CLOSING SOON FOR WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2026
Submissions for the 2026 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase close on February 2, 2026, so make sure to get those submissions in ASAP!
This year’s theme, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage, and Livelihoods, invites films that explore the vital role plants play in our everyday lives.
If your story touches plant-based healing, traditional knowledge, or plant-centered livelihoods, from coffee grown for community economies to aloe used in wellness practices, your film may already be a fit.
We’re seeking films of any length that highlight the relationship between people, plants, and conservation, whether plants are central to the story or woven into the foundation of your piece.
Selected films will be featured in free educational screenings throughout 2026, with official selections announced March 3 during the virtual World Wildlife Day Celebration.
To learn more or submit a relevant film, reach out to scarlett@jacksonwild.org or jacksonwild.org/world-wildlife-day-2026
