Planet Health Film Fund 2027

Applications are open for the Planet Health Film Fund 2027, a global funding opportunity supporting independent filmmakers to produce original short documentaries about the relationship between human health and the health of the environment. The initiative is launched by Earthrise and Bupa, with BAFTA Albert as its sustainability partner and SXSW London as a programme partner.

The fund will select five filmmakers to receive £20,000 each to create an authored 10 minute documentary accompanied by social media content. The selected films should explore how people remain healthy and connected to nature in a rapidly changing and increasingly urbanised world.

The programme is open to filmmakers from around the world aged 18 and above who meet the professional experience and production company requirements. Selected filmmakers will receive creative mentorship, industry workshops and production support. Their completed films are scheduled to premiere at SXSW London in May 2027, followed by a global digital release.

About the Planet Health Film Fund

The Planet Health Film Fund brings together documentary storytelling, environmental awareness and public health communication. It is based on the understanding that human health is closely connected to the natural environment and that environmental changes can have significant consequences for people's physical and mental wellbeing.

Air pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, access to green spaces and the quality of local environments all influence how people live and maintain their health. Yet these connections are not always explored through personal and accessible storytelling.

Through the fund, Earthrise and Bupa aim to support filmmakers who can communicate these relationships through compelling documentary narratives.

The programme encourages original stories that connect scientific and environmental issues with human experiences. Filmmakers are expected to develop distinctive creative approaches that can engage audiences, encourage conversations and inspire people to think differently about their relationship with nature.

The fund supports independent creative work rather than conventional branded content. Selected filmmakers retain ownership of their films and have creative freedom within the programme's agreed editorial, legal and commercial requirements.

Funding and Benefits

Five filmmakers will be selected, with each receiving £20,000 to develop, produce and deliver a documentary.

The award and programme benefits include:

• Production funding: Each selected filmmaker receives £20,000 to cover the full cost of producing and delivering the documentary and accompanying materials.
• Creative mentorship: Filmmakers receive guidance and feedback from Earthrise and experienced industry professionals.
• Industry masterclasses: Participants take part in online development sessions covering creative storytelling, sustainable production, digital distribution and audience engagement.
• Sustainable filmmaking guidance: BAFTA Albert shares expertise on reducing the environmental impact of film production.
• Digital storytelling support: Programme partners, including YouTube, Together Films and Screen Language, contribute expertise and support.
• International exposure: Completed films are scheduled for a world premiere at SXSW London 2027.
• Global digital release: Following the premiere, the films will be released online through a coordinated digital launch.
• Filmmaker ownership: Selected directors retain ownership of their completed films.

Documentary Themes

Potential areas of exploration include:

1. Human Health and Nature

Stories examining how access to nature, green spaces and healthy ecosystems influences physical and mental wellbeing.

2. Climate Change and Public Health

Documentaries exploring how rising temperatures, extreme weather and environmental disruption affect communities and human health.

3. Urbanisation and Healthy Living

Stories examining the challenges of maintaining healthy lives in rapidly growing cities, including access to clean air, green spaces and natural environments.

4. Biodiversity and Wellbeing

Projects exploring how healthy ecosystems and biodiversity contribute to human health, food systems and quality of life.

5. Environmental Pollution

Documentaries examining the effects of air, water or other forms of pollution on individuals, families and communities.

6. Community Connections with Nature

Personal stories showing how communities protect, restore or reconnect with their natural surroundings and how these relationships contribute to wellbeing.

These are illustrative areas rather than a restrictive list. The organisers are particularly interested in distinctive stories with a clear creative vision and potential to engage audiences.

Who Can Apply?

The Planet Health Film Fund is open to international applicants aged 18 or older.

However, applicants must meet specific professional and organisational requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have previously directed at least one completed documentary film, either short or feature length, or comparable authored nonfiction work.
• Have directed work that has been selected for a recognised film festival, commissioned by an established broadcaster or distributed by an established editorial or documentary platform.
• Be the lead director of the proposed documentary.
• Have a legally registered production company in place when applying.
• Demonstrate appropriate access to the proposed story and, where relevant, its principal contributors.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted in English through the official online application portal.

Applicants should prepare a documentary proposal that demonstrates a clear creative vision and explains how the proposed story will explore the relationship between human health and environmental health.

The application should also demonstrate that the filmmaker has appropriate access to the proposed story and relevant contributors.

Any creative materials submitted as the applicant's own work must genuinely be their work or that of clearly identified collaborators.

Applicants should also read the full terms and conditions before applying. The fund has specific creative, editorial and production requirements, including restrictions on additional production finance and AI generated content in audience facing materials.

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official fund website: Access the Planet Health Film Fund application page and read the programme information.
2. Review the eligibility requirements: Confirm that you are at least 18 years old, have the required documentary filmmaking experience and have access to a legally registered production company.
3. Develop your documentary concept: Identify an original story that explores the connection between human health and the environment. Consider the people involved, the central issue and the intended audience.
4. Prepare your creative proposal: Explain the documentary's story, creative approach, relevance and potential impact. Demonstrate access to the proposed story and principal contributors.
5. Review the production budget: Ensure that the proposed film and accompanying materials can be completed within the £20,000 award. The project must not depend on additional production financing.
6. Complete the online application: Submit the required information and creative materials in English through the official application portal.
7. Read the terms and conditions: Review the programme's full creative, editorial, legal and commercial requirements before submitting.
8. Submit before the deadline: Ensure that your application is received by 16 November 2026 at 6:00 p.m. GMT.