American Conservation Film Festival

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American Conservation Film Festival

Plan now to join us March 13-15, 2026 for a weekend filled with 26 powerful stories and perspectives from filmmakers and conservationists across the globe.

The American Conservation Film Festival (ACFF) brings together conservation films and environmental storytelling that inspire action, spark curiosity, and deepen understanding of our planet. Founded in 2003, in Shepherdstown, WV, ACFF was created by filmmakers and conservationists who believed that stories shape how we connect with nature. Today, the festival has grown into a nationally recognized

platform for showcasing powerful films on the most urgent environmental issues. Each year, ACFF receives hundreds of submissions from around the world, selecting only the most compelling films to share with audiences. Beyond screenings, the festival offers interactive experiences, workshops, and discussions that connect filmmakers, scientists, educators, and communities — advancing environmental education and advocacy. Through partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals, ACFF amplifies its impact and fosters a culture of sustainability. By centering filmmakers and their stories, the festival creates a space where audiences are not just spectators but active participants in shaping a sustainable future. Discover the stories that move, inspire, and protect our planet.

05/13/2026

For the lucky ones who got tickets early, come say hello tonight as we partner for our 3rd year with these two amazing organizations.

05/02/2026

FilmFreeway.com/ACFF

04/27/2026

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Signs on as Executive Producer, Marking Major Milestones for Snow Leopard Sisters!

Featuring Snow Leopard Conservancy’s partner work in Dolpo, Nepal, the film has achieved strong success and continues to do so across various film festivals. On April 23rd the film was screened and honored with the Best Conservation Film award at the REEL Wild Film Festival, presented by Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, as well as in Missoula, Montana at the International Wildlife Film Festival where it has been awarded Best of Fest + Feature. It has also recently received strong audience recognition, earning the People’s Choice Award at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award at the American Conservation Film Festival.

To read the full article, please clink the link below in the comments.

Photo Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

03/17/2026

And the Audience Choice Award Winners are...
In Her Nature: Sloth Detectives (Short Film)
Snow Leopard Sisters (Feature Film)

Sloth Detectives followed an award-winning zoologist, her tree-climbing BFF, and their sloth-sniffing rescue dog team up in Costa Rica’s jungles for the first-ever sloth census, mixing science, adventure, and plenty of laughs to protect these creatures. The all-female film crew that captured rarely observed sloth behaviors on camera joined us after the film for an inspiring Q&A. Congratulations to Jocelyn Stokes, Katie Schuler, Melanie Lippert, Jess Wiegandt Gomez, and Ash Benzwie!

Snow Leopard Sisters is the true story of an unlikely yet powerful friendship between two Indigenous women in the Himalayan mountains that stole our audience’s heart. The documentary follows a snow leopard conservationist (and her toddler son) as she mentors a 17-year-old who is desperate to escape a forced marriage. Through intimate verité footage and stunning cinematography, the film highlights the power of the women’s conservation efforts in their own mountain home, shaping a better future for themselves and for the elusive snow leopards. Congratulations to Andrew Lynch, Sonam Choekyi, and Ben Ayers!

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03/16/2026

Vote for the Audience Choice Awards!

We hope you loved the 2026 films as much as we do! Now it’s your turn to show them some love by voting for the Audience Choice Awards.

You can vote by logging in to your account and visiting My Tickets, or by clicking Vote Now in the email you received from Eventive. Rate each film you’ve seen—your votes will help select the winning short and feature film.

Voting Ends at Midnight Tonight! Link to login to your account is in bio.

03/06/2026

A Delicious Lineup of Films!

Our Sunday “Brunch” Block brings together three short films by female filmmakers exploring the unexpected ways people are responding to environmental challenges — from a San Francisco restaurant transforming food waste into inventive cuisine, to an Arctic landscape where warming temperatures are reshaping the lives of reindeer, to a surprisingly collaborative effort to save one of North America’s most endangered birds. Get your tickets now and join us Sunday morning for this inspiring lineup of short films.

After the films, stay for a Q&A with filmmakers Chloë Fitzmaurice (Trash Pie) and KT Bryden (Little Brown Bird) and then head down to the Exhibit Hall for concessions provided by local restaurants.

Short Film Block 6: March 15, 11am
Frank Center on the Campus of Shepherd University

Tickets still available - see link in bio.

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03/04/2026

EVERYBODY wants to see a film about POOP(s)

On Friday, March 13 we’ll screen the feature film Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong. As America’s aging wastewater systems strain toward failure, one determined plant fights to stay operational. In Portland, Maine, manager Dustin Price and his dedicated team battle crumbling infrastructure, “forever chemicals,” and public misconceptions, revealing unsung conservation workers who approach daunting challenges with humor and resolve while keeping their community’s water clean, safe, and constantly flowing.

Conservation Where You Least Expect It
Stay after the screening, which starts at 6pm, for a conversation with Shepherdstown’s own unsung heroes: the public works team that maintain the real-world systems that safeguard our water.

Sponsored by Sue Kemnizter

Tickets still available - link in bio

03/02/2026

Our Shepherdstown community has created a one-of-a-kind Appalachian Aquatic Life Quilt to raffle off from now until the end of the Festival. All proceeds go to support bringing conservation films to a broader audience. You can buy chances online now!

All these people, some of whom had never sewn anything before, took up the challenge to depict an image out of thread and scraps of material. We’re so moved by their donations of time and talent! Locals can see it up close at Alma Bea Restaturant on Wednesday through the 11th. After that, come see it on display in lobby of the Frank Center throughout the Festival.

02/23/2026

Our Full Festival Passes are nearly sold out. Once they’re gone, only single tickets will be available.

A Festival Pass gives you full access to the entire weekend — and with just a handful remaining, this is the moment to secure yours.

The link to purchase is in bio.

See you March 13-15!

02/18/2026

On Saturday, March 14, we’ll screen the short film In Her Nature: Sloth Detectives. An award-winning zoologist, her tree-climbing BFF, and their sloth-sniffing rescue dog team up in Costa Rica’s jungles for the first-ever sloth census, mixing science, adventure, and plenty of laughs to protect these creatures.

Then we go behind the scenes as this all-female crew combines blue-chip wildlife cinematography with the untold stories of women protecting wildlife in some of Earth’s most perilous wild places.
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A discussion with five of the creators of this ground-breaking effort follows the screening of Short Film Block 3 which starts at 11AM on Saturday, March 14.

Sponsored by Deb Tucker

Passes & Tickets On Sale Now!� Links in bio.
Join us March 13–15 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Address

Shepherdstown, WV
25443

Website

https://linktr.ee/conservationfilmfest

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