SWAMP FILM FESTIVAL

Lights, Camera, Environment

To mark World Environment Day the Hunter Wetlands Centre is holding
Swamp Film Festival on 5-8 June 2026.
Held over the June long-weekend the Swamp Film Festival will present an exiting program of environmental film screenings, Q&As with film industry and environmental speakers, film workshops and film-focused activities for kids.
Swamp Film Festival showcases the wetlands ecosystems and wildlife of the Hunter Estuary in NSW, Australia. Coinciding with World Environment Day, Swamp Film Festival focuses on films and events that inspire us to explore, protect and respect our wetlands environment.

Call for Submissions
Entries Close: 11th May 2026

We're calling for short films and short-form video clips that explore the landscapes, wildlife, waterways and communities connected to the Hunter Estuary. We invite filmmakers and videographers - whether professionals, students, enthusiasts, scientists, artists or everyday observers to respond creatviely with films that inspire us to explore, protect and respect our wetlands estuary environments, specifically in the NSW Hunter region.
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CATEGORIES
1. Swamp Shorts
Maximum Length: 10min (no minimum length)
Content style may be documentary, storytelling, observational or artistic/creative (e.g. experimental, animation or visual art films).
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2. Swamp Clips
Maximum Length: 1 min
We're looking for short-form video imagery of wildlife, plants or natural wetlands systems. Clips can be minimally edited. Clips can be time-lapse, but no AI or animation.
This category is ideal for wildlife/nature photographers who now shoot video and have captured an amazing moment.
Limited to 2 Entries per person.
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ELIGIBILITY
Entry Is FREE
Open to filmmakers of all ages Australia-wide.
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CONTENT GUIDELINES
Films must have a clear environmental focus connected to the Hunter Estuary region and its broader catchment areas.
See our "Conditions of Entry" for geographic boundaries and content restrictions.
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SCREENING & AWARDS
Films will screen at the Hunter Wetlands Centre in our BHP Theatrette during the Swamp Film Festival.
There will be judged and audience choice awards with categories and prizes to be announced.

For our full Terms and Conditions including  specific TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS, CONTENT RESTRICTIONS and RIGHTS LICENSING go to our Conditions of Entry.

Contact: media@wetlands.org.au

TBC

Feature Film Night + Q&A

Watch This Space

Session Times and Information will be released closer to the Event.

Tickets Available Soon

Saturday 21st March

Swamp Film Festival - Film Workshop

Watch This Space

Session Times and Information will be released closer to the Event.

Tickets Available Soon

Friday 5 June - Monday 8 June

Swamp Film Festival - Tours & Activities

Watch This Space

Session Times and Information will be released closer to the Event.

Tickets Available Soon

Friday 5 June - Monday 8 June

Swamp Film Festival - Screening Sessions

Watch This Space

Session Times and Information will be released closer to the Event.

Tickets Available Soon