In partnership with CITES and UNDP

World Wildlife Day 2025

Film Resource Library

Inspiring personal responsibility and stewardship for endangered creatures through a film festival showcase across the world.

2026 THEME:

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage,
and Livelihoods

In 2015, we hosted the International Elephant Film Festival, which reached over 8,000 people in more than 70 countries. Building on this success, we have since highlighted topics such as big cats, living oceans, biodiversity, forests, and digital innovation through our World Wildlife Day Film Showcases — bringing attention to critical conservation issues worldwide.

World Wildlife Day 2026 will shine a spotlight on “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods, highlighting the vital role these plants play in global health, traditional knowledge systems, and sustainable livelihoods. This year’s showcase will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing powerful stories, and inspiring action to protect these invaluable species and the communities that depend on them.

Jackson Wild is seeking films that explore this theme — from the healing power of nature to the people and places working to safeguard these plants for future generations. Filmmakers interested in participating are encouraged to contact scarlett@jacksonwild.org for more details, or to share their projects.

Films selected for the World Wildlife Day Film Showcase are available throughout 2026 in free educational screenings. The selection of films will be announced on March 3rd during the virtual World Wildlife Day Celebration.

Past World Wildlife Day Film Showcase Themes

  • 2025: Wildlife Conservation Finance

  • 2024: Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation

  • 2023: Conservation Heroes - Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation

  • 2022: Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration

  • 2021: Forests

  • 2020: Biodiversity

  • 2019: Living Oceans

  • 2018: Big Cats

  • 2016: Elephants