Glaciers Short Film Competition

Let’s Talk About Water
In partnership with the United Nations International Year of Glaciers Preservation and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences proudly announce the

Stories from the Cryosphere Short Film Competition

Glaciers on the edge

A global invitation to put voices and visions on one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time: the rapid disappearance of the world’s glaciers. An invitation to filmmakers, students, artists, scientists, and communities.

Why glaciers, why now?

Glaciers are more than majestic landscapes—they are vital reservoirs of fresh water, regulators of global climate, and lifelines for ecosystems and communities downstream. Yet, they are melting at unprecedented rates.

Their loss threatens drinking water, food security, energy systems, global ecosystems and the cultural and spiritual heritage of countless communities, especially indigenous and mountain peoples. Glaciers are among the most visible indicators of climate change, reminding us that the time to act is now.

This competition invites you to explore profound questions and tell stories that matter:

Can we preserve a glacier?
While we cannot “freeze time,” we can take steps to reduce emissions, restore damaged watersheds, and manage water resources in ways that slow glacier retreat and preserve their critical functions.
What are the steps to protect glaciers?
From local to global action: cutting greenhouse gas emissions, protecting mountain and watershed ecosystems, supporting indigenous knowledge, advancing glacier monitoring, and strengthening international cooperation.
What are the effects of melting glaciers: past and present?
Melting glaciers have shaped landscapes and cultures for millennia. Today, they threaten water security, increase the risk of floods and droughts, disrupt ecosystems, and contribute to rising sea levels, impacting us all.

The power of water, science, and film

Science helps us understand what’s happening to glaciers; water connects us all, and film has the power to turn insight into action. With the Stories from the Cryosphere Short Film Competition, we aim to create a global conversation that moves from knowledge to solutions, from despair to hope.

Selected films will be featured in international screenings and online events, as well as included on the water and film virtual gallery bringing your voice into a worldwide dialogue on glaciers’ preservation.

Awards & Prizes

1st Prize USD$ 3,000
2nd Prize USD$ 2,000
3rd Prize USD$ 1,000
Youth Prize (Under 18) USD$ 1,000
Student Prize (Over 18) USD$ 1,000
LTAW Special Prize USD$ 1,000

Inspire local stories, spark global action

Even if you live far from a glacier, its disappearance may already be shaping your world. Glaciers feed rivers, irrigate fields, and sustain communities across continents. The ripple effects touch us all—through changing water availability, agriculture, energy, and even the places we call home. This competition encourages local voices and stories—whether you are a scientist in the field, a farmer downstream, an indigenous community member, or a student worried about the future.

We are proud to join the United Nations International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences in driving global engagement and inspiring cooperation to safeguard glaciers—because the choices we make today will shape the future of glaciers, watersheds, and people for generations to come.

How to Participate?

Develop an Idea

Think of a story about water in your community or region; talk to a scientist, community leader, or water expert

Shoot your film

Shoot a 3-5 minute (max with credits) with your camera or phone. Be creative!

Submit your Film

Submit your film on FilmFreeway and participate in the Short Film Competition

Join the conversation! Submit your film!

We invite you to submit 3 to 5 minutes short films -documentary, animation, fiction, experimental- that tell compelling stories about glaciers, water, and resilience.

Submissions open: 6 June 2025
Deadline: 20 January 2026
Winners announced: 19 March 2026

Submit your film: https://filmfreeway.com/StoriesfromtheCryosphere

Winning films will be announced and premiered on 19 March 2026 at the 3rd Let’s Talk About Water Film Festival Paris, France at the Cinema Le Mac Mahon, Paris, France.

Together, let’s talk about water—and help shape a future where glaciers, rivers, and people thrive!

For more information about Let’s Talk About Water and our short film competitions visit: https://letstalkaboutwater.org/

Send us a message: info@letstalkaboutwater.org

The Glaciers Preservation Short Film Competition is organized by Let’s Talk About Water with the support of the Johnson Family Foundation and the African Film Festival New York within the framework of the United Nations International Year of Glaciers Preservation and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences.

Download the prize poster here.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

Let’s Talk about Water (LTAW) is a global platform that for 20 years has used the power of film to bridge the gap between scientists, policy makers and the public, creating vital dialogue about water challenges and solutions across the globe.

The International Year of Glaciers Preservation

The International Year of Glaciers Preservation aim to spotlight the vital role of glaciers, snow, and ice in the climate system and water cycle, while addressing the economic, social, and environmental impacts of a rapidly changing cryosphere. They also promote knowledge-sharing and best practices to tackle glacier melt and its consequences. UNESCO and WMO, in collaboration with governments and partners, are leading implementation efforts.