The Science Film Festival is a celebration of science communication in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America: In cooperation with local partners it promotes science literacy and facilitates awareness of contemporary scientific, technological and environmental issues through international films with accompanying educational activities. The Science Film Festival presents scientific issues accessibly and entertainingly to a broad audience and demonstrates that science can be fun. The event has grown considerably since its first edition in 2005, becoming the largest event of its kind worldwide.
In 2020, the Science Film Festival reached over 800,000 viewers in 28 countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East from October 01 to December 20. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, many screenings were held virtually with more than 200,000 online views. The Science Film Festival focused on the Sustainable Development Goals in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program and presented 92 films from 24 countries as official selection in 2020.
The award winners in the six categories are announced online. We congratulate the recipients and thank all filmmakers for their entries and participation.
In 2021, the Science Film Festival takes place internationally from October 01 to December 20 and invites viewers to enjoy the best in international science communication. In the context and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and mental well-being are more important than ever. That is why bringing these issues out into the open especially at this time is so important and why the Science Film Festival turns its focus on health and mental health in 2021.
The call for entries 2021 is now closed. The Science Film Festival received 287 films from 52 countries. Over the course of the coming weeks, 30 pre-jury members consisting of experts in scientific fields, science education, and science communication representing all participating festival countries, will decide the official selection of the Science Film Festival 2021. The selection and further information on the festival in participating countries this year will be announced on the website at the end of August.
The Science Film Festival received 161 films and over 30 local science education and communication professionals in the participating festival countries had chosen 92 films from 24 countries that made up the official selection of the Science Film Festival 2020. All films were translated and synchronized or subtitled into local languages where necessary to offer access without language barriers.
