For over four decades, the Wildscreen Festival has been a cornerstone of the global natural world storytelling community. Now, in response to the evolving needs of our industry, Wildscreen are proud to introduce the Wildscreen Summit (20 to 22 October 2025) a more frequent, focused gathering designed to foster connection, collaboration, and innovation.
Held annually in central Bristol, the Summit is a dynamic three-day event that brings together filmmakers, producers, commissioners, distributors, and freelancers from across the globe. With delegates expected from the UK, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Americas and an option to attend online this is a truly international celebration of the genre’s future.
Why the summit, and why now?
The industry is at a crossroads. As companies and creatives continue to navigate economic pressures, technological disruption, and shifting audience behaviours, the need for regular, meaningful dialogue has never been greater.
The Wildscreen Summit is Wildscreens’ answer: a space to explore the future of natural world storytelling, from business trends and financing models to generative AI and digital innovation.
What to expect
- Two days of panels, discussions, and screenings at the Bristol Grand by Sunday Hotel and the Bristol Megascreen at the Aquarium.
- One day of workshops, 1:1 mentoring, and networking, designed to foster practical skills and personal connections.
- The Wildscreen Panda Awards, hosted at the Bristol Harbour Hotel, celebrating excellence and impact in our field.
All venues are within walking distance, making it easy to immerse yourself in the full experience.
Can’t make it to Bristol? Join the summit online
For those unable to travel, Wildscreen will belive-streaming all panel discussions on Monday and Tuesday, ensuring globalaccess to the Summit’s insights and conversations.
Why attend?
Whether you’re a seasoned producer or an emerging filmmaker, the Summit offers:
- Insight into industry trends and the projected future
- Practical advice on fundraising and financing
- Exploration of AI’s role in storytelling and production
- Strategies for diversifying income through digital and archival media
- Opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and collaborators
At its heart, the Wildscreen Summit is about uplifting the industry keeping us all connected, inspired, and equipped to tell the stories that matter.
Getting to the Wildscreen Summit: Travel and accommodation with a lighter environmental footprint
As Wildscreens preferred travel partner, we’re playing our part to support the event’s sustainability.
The Summit draws storytellers, conservationists, and creatives from around the globe to celebrate the power of natural world storytelling, it's only fitting that journeys to the event reflects the values we champion. Whether you're travelling from across the UK or flying in from overseas, considering the environmental impact of your travel and accommodation choices is a meaningful way to align with the Summit’s sustainability ethos.
Bristol, the host city, is well-connected by rail and coach, offering lower-carbon alternatives to domestic flights. For international attendees, offsetting emissions and choosing airlines with strong sustainability commitments can make a difference. Once in Bristol, the city’s walkable layout, bike-friendly infrastructure, and efficient public transport make it easy to explore without relying on cars.
When it comes to accommodation, many local hotels and guesthouses are embracing greener practices, from energy-efficient systems and waste reduction to sourcing local, organic food. Booking with eco-certified lodgings not only supports responsible tourism but also contributes to the wider conservation mission that Wildscreen embodies.
By making conscious choices in how we travel and where we stay, we help ensure that the stories we tell about the natural world are backed by actions that protect it.
Interested? Register here!
