Plymouth Nature Film Festival connects people with stories from our changing planet

Founded by students from across the University, the festival aims to offer a range of films, photography and other activities
Flourish in nature - getty. wood woodland forest
The Plymouth Nature Film Festival is returning to the city this month, exploring humans’ relationship with nature and how both are adapting in the face of global change.
Founded by six students from the University of Plymouth, the festival is being held in the city’s Market Hall – in partnership with the Real Ideas Organisation – on Saturday 29 April.
Open to people of all ages, it will showcase grassroot works of film and photography from all around the world that encourage people to think globally and act locally.
The creative pieces will aim to raise awareness around key issues, and those attending will also be able to see the individual impact they can make through connecting with local environmental organisations.
This is the second year the festival has been held with the sold-out inaugural event, held at the University, being based on the theme of rewilding.
The 2023 festival will carry the theme of ‘change’, how it impacts our relations with the world around us and whether the planet is best served by adapting or resisting it.
In addition to things people can watch and view, there will also be interactive workshops and opportunities for people to speak to those who share their passion for nature.
The final roster for this year’s festival will be announced soon, but tickets for the event – which will run from 2pm to 6pm – have now gone on sale.
The festival’s organisers study a range of courses at the University, from marine biology and environmental management to architecture and photography.
The organising committee of the Plymouth Nature Film Festival 

The organising committee of the Plymouth Nature Film Festival 

Shivani Rajani, a BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology student, said:
“The idea for the festival originally came about following the COP26 conference in Glasgow, but was also based on what we were learning through our courses. In recent years, there has been a lot of conversation about how people all around the world connect with nature, and how the whole planet is in serious trouble. We felt it was something that needed to be explored here in Plymouth, by giving people a chance to better understand their own relationships with nature but also providing them with the connections they need to take action.”
Jasmine Rix, a BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Oceanography graduate, added: 
“Through my course, I became increasingly aware of the disconnect between people and nature, and wanted to try and address that in a positive way. We believe the festival does that and this year’s theme is really important, as when people do talk about nature they very often talk about change. Our films and photography will cover everything from our changing planet to our changing relationship with it, and we hope it will inspire all those who come to take part.”
 
Square image of Devonport Market Hall