We are excited to announce the first-ever Public Lands Film Festival — a showcase of powerful short stories celebrating the people, places, and ideas that shape our shared landscapes. Selected works will premiere at the Public Lands Alliance Conference in February 2026 (Daytona, Florida) and later join a national touring program offered to our members.
This festival marks the beginning of a new touring initiative entirely devoted to storytelling from our public lands. Its mission is to highlight outstanding creative work that uplifts the efforts of nonprofits, park partners, and communities stewarding these treasured places.
A collaboration between the Public Lands Alliance and filmmaker Brendan Hall, director of the award-winning documentary Out There: A National Parks Story, the festival brings together filmmakers and public lands professionals to spark inspiration and expand what storytelling in this space can be.
Led by storytellers and supported by the stewards of our most cherished landscapes, we aim to push the boundaries of how these stories are told — and to inspire audiences nationwide.
Call for Submissions is Open - View the Guidelines
This is a free event for all convention participants.
Registration is not required but recommended for planning purposes.