Blue Carbon: Nature’s Hidden Power

A Make Waves and HHMI/Tangled Bank Studios Production

A Make Waves and HHMI/Tangled Bank Studios Production (USA), Blue Carbon: Nature’s Hidden Power, Doc Feature – In Blue Carbon, Emmy & BAFTA-winning director Nicolas Brown delivers a visually stunning and sonically rich documentary that fuses science and music to reveal one of nature’s most powerful—and overlooked—climate solutions. Guided by Grammy-nominated DJ and environmental toxicologist Jayda Guy, the film embarks on a global journey to explore the carbon-sequestering potential of coastal ecosystems. Filmed across stunning landscapes worldwide, Blue Carbon reveals the urgent fight to save salt marshes, seagrasses, and mangroves—vital yet vanishing ecosystems. Through encounters with creatures like manatees and humpback whales, and the local heroes protecting them, the film fuses conservation with club culture, speaking to a new generation. With a pulse-pounding score by Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and featuring Seu Jorge, it’s an electrifying, immersive journey into the rhythms of nature and music.
As director Nicolas Brown puts it, “We are bringing together opposites—dance music and nature, clubbing and conservation—to inspire fresh audiences and amplify the voices of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis. It’s time to listen.”  Exec producers: BAFTA winner Sarah Macdonald, Emmy-winner Sean B. Carroll, BAFTA nominee Sian Kevill, Emmy nominee David Guy Elisco Philippe De Bourbon, Claude Grunitzky, Alexander Asen, Don Mullan, Alexandra Hannibal, Emmy winner Amy Entelis. Presented by CNN Films

Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey – Ruán Magan

Ruán Magan (Ireland), Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey, Doc Feature – Narrated by Oscar-nominee Liam Neeson, this breathtaking documentary examines humanity’s enduring bond with water—an element that has shaped civilizations, identities, and survival throughout history. As floods, wildfires, and droughts intensify, this film reveals how ancient wisdom and bold innovation can restore balance to our planet. Through the journeys of Li An Phoa, who walked 15,000 km for clean rivers, Kongjian Yu’s revolutionary ‘Sponge Cities’ and Vered Engelhard’s revival of Andean water systems, it highlights water’s crucial role in our future. Filmed across eight countries, it’s more than a visual odyssey—it’s a powerful call to action to reconnect with water and heal the planet. Co-written and produced by Paul O’Callaghan.

Last Chance to Save A Life – Emma Watts

Emma Watts (Australia), Last Chance to Save A Life, Doc Feature – On the brink of a post-antibiotic crisis, an ancient weapon emerges: viruses. This gripping documentary explores phage therapy, a 100-year-old treatment using bacteriophages—nature’s viral assassins—to fight superbugs. Told in electrifying real-time, it follows critically ill patients injected with trillions of phages in a last bid for survival. As relentless scientists race to refine this unpredictable cure, Watt’s deft direction transforms the doc into a high-stakes science thriller—where hope, resilience, and medical history hang in the balance. With charismatic researchers leading the charge, and patients staring death in the face, this is a story of resilience, revelation, and the radical possibilities that may just change the course of medical history. Producers: Emmy-winner Sonya Pemberton, Anna Mantzoros.

 Pink Belt – John McCrite

John McCrite (USA / India), Pink Belt, Doc Feature – Aparna Rajawat, a sixteen-time national martial arts champion, is on a mission to transform the lives of women in a society plagued by violence and gender inequality. This inspiring doc follows her rise from defying traditional gender roles to founding the Pink Belt Mission, an initiative teaching women self-defense, financial independence, and self-determination. At the heart of the film is Aparna’s attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest women’s self-defense class, but the stakes go far beyond a single event. Through raw testimonies it exposes the harsh reality of violence against women—including Aparna’s own experiences. With thoughtful direction, McCrite captures Aparna’s resilience, balancing moments of triumph with painful truths.  Producer Oscar-winner Andrew Carlberg.

Conservation and Recovery of the Scarlet Macaw in Mexico
Daniel Sheire and Jessica Suarez

Daniel Sheire and Jessica Suarez (USA), Conservation and Recovery of the Scarlet Macaw in Mexico, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – Emmy-nominee Sheire and National Geographic Explorer Suarez present a poignant documentary about the endangered Scarlet Macaw, a vibrant symbol of Mexico’s rainforests now vanishing from its ecosystem. With beautiful cinematography by Tim Laman, Russell Laman, and Eric Liner, this film follows Natura y Ecosistemas Mexicanos’ race to save the last wild macaws. Facing relentless poaching, they rescue hatchlings and unite local communities to protect nests. A powerful story of survival, resilience, and the fight to preserve a symbol of Mexico’s natural heritage. From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Conservation Media.

Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Skin Cancer, Doc Feature – Emmy-winner Hill’s direction weaves together powerful interviews with Oscar-nominee Hugh Jackman, icon Deborah Hutton, Olympian Cate Campbell and surfer ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew. It shows Australia’s skin cancer crisis, blending survivor stories with expert insights. Highlights the urgent need for prevention in an escalating public health crisis.

Raymond Zhang (Canada), State Organs, Doc Feature – Peabody-winner Zhang’s chilling doc follows Chinese families over 20 years searching for missing loved ones. They uncover a horrifying state-run organ harvesting operation, exposing corruption and unspeakable brutality within the Communist Party. This powerful film reveals the tragic persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and the unimaginable atrocities they face.

Bill Wisneski (USA), Almost Home: Life After Incarceration, Doc Feature – Emmy winner Wisneski crafts a compelling film about the struggles of formerly incarcerated individuals and the life-changing power of education. Following students in a pioneering program at a Southern California community college, the film shows how learning heals trauma, creates opportunities, and empowers families, offering hope and second chances.

HHMI Tangled Bank Studios / Red Rock Films Production (USA), Wild Hope: Stork Sisters, Doc Short – An inspiring doc about India’s greater adjutant stork, once seen as an ill omen and pushed to near extinction. Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a passionate biologist, founded the “Hargila Army”- 10,000 rural women working to protect them. Through cultural change and conservation, they’ve sparked hope for the stork’s future.

Marco Fabbro (Italy), Marcho – The Last Flag, Doc Feature – A gorgeous doc, creatively crafted with compelling reenactments and fascinating expert insights. In the 1400s, Rizzardo conceals the tragic story of Marcho of Moruzzo, a rebel against Venice’s conquest and a fierce warrior. His letter, buried for 500 years, is ultimately unearthed in 1986. Paolo Mutti, Aida Talliente, Fabiano Fantini, Alessandro Mistichelli.

HHMI Tangled Bank Studios / Red Rock Films Production (USA), Wild Hope: Rebuilding a Forest, Doc Short – Mauricio Ruiz is leading a reforestation project in Brazil’s endangered Atlantic Forest. Working with locals, he uses drones to plant 15 million trees, restoring biodiversity and balance. His work showcases the power of combining community efforts with technology to tackle challenges and protect vital ecosystems.

Richmond Weaver (USA), Better Together: Furman’s Championship Quest, Doc Series – This gripping doc series chronicles the Furman Paladins’ incredible rise from past heartbreak to a historic Conference title. With unprecedented access, it captures the emotional journey of a team that defied the odds, culminating in a thrilling NCAA Tournament upset and proving the power of resilience and determination.

Shane Vermooten (USA), Team Ocean Quest – The Impossible Journey, Doc Feature – Follow an underdog team of junior high and high school students competing in the $7 Million XPRIZE Ocean Discovery competition. Overcoming setbacks, they defy expectations on a 3-year journey from classroom to award ceremony in Monaco. This inspiring doc proves that “nothing is impossible,” offering excitement, heart and hope.

HHMI Tangled Bank Studios / Red Rock Films Production (USA), Wild Hope: The Frog Ark, Doc Short – At “The Ark” in Panama, researchers fight to save beloved amphibians on the brink of extinction. Amid the chytrid fungus crisis, they use cutting-edge technology and genetics to preserve rare species. AI and innovative techniques, offer hope for survival, giving these vital creatures a fighting chance against extinction.

Abigail Rain Knight (Australia), More Than Milk, Doc Short 17-years & under – A talented youth filmmaker explores The Cow Project, highlighting the transformative impact it has on women in West Bengal, India, facing poverty, malnutrition, and inequality. Through intimate interviews and footage, the film reveals how the simple gift of a cow has sparked profound changes in the lives of these women and their families.

Abigail Rain Knight (Australia), More Than Milk, Documentary Short (Student)

 

 

Cineflix Media and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios (USA), The Calling, Documentary Feature

 

 

Elana Frankel (USA), Cannabis + Creativity, Documentary Short, Cinematography

 

 

Gary Francis Quigg (USA), The Foot: A Community Remembered, Documentary Short

 

 

George Siegal, Move the World Films (USA), Built to Last: Buyer Beware, Documentary Feature, Direction, Editing (Kenneth Davis, Two Stories Media)

 

HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Red Rock Films Production (USA), Wild Hope: Unleaded, Documentary Short

 

 

Hugo Sindelar (USA), One in Five Hundred, Documentary Feature

 

 

Jen Greenstreet and Mandi Kearns, Just Like You Films (USA), May Contain: My Life, Documentary Feature

 

 

John McCrite (USA), Pink Belt, Direction, Editing, Cinematography, Original Score

 

 

Jon Osaki and Josh Chuck (USA), Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America, Documentary Feature

 

 

Kristy Espinoza and Yulma Garcia (USA), Everything Will Be Fine, Documentary Short

 

 

Kristy Espinoza and Yulma Garcia (USA), From Banao to the World, Documentary Short

 

 

Michael Raabe (USA), Ghosts of the Pacific, A White Sea Bass Story, Cinematography

 

 

Mike Hill (Australia), New School 2, Documentary Feature

 

 

Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Skin Cancer, Direction

 

 

Mike Hill (USA), Conquering Cervical Cancer, Documentary Feature

 

 

Simantini Chakraborty and Godfrey Reggio (USA), The Original Badass, Documentary Short, Direction, Dramatic Impact

 

 

Wildlife Works (USA), Black Water, Documentary Short

 

 

Yunhong Pu (USA), GO THROUGH THE DARK, Documentary Feature (Student), Asian Filmmaker (Student), Disability Issues (Student)

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