Conservation Optimism presents an evening of inspiring and empowering stories from across the natural world at the annual Good Natured Short Film Festival!
In the face of environmental erosion and human negligence, it is all too easy to regard our planet with despair. But nestled amongst the prevailing stories of loss and destruction, there are inspiring stories of regeneration.
Our seventh film festival took take place on October 25th, 2025 from 6pm – 9pm at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH) and was also livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
This event was presented in collaboration with IF Oxford, as part of the Festival’s annual programme, to spark curiosity and engagement with science and ideas. Find out more at www.if-oxford.com.
In 2025, our judges and mentors were:
- Nora Twomey (Award Winning Director, Producer & Writer)
- Dr. Lauren Cook (Biologist, Animator & Award Winning Artist)
- Dr. Vilsoni Hereniko (Scholar, Playwright & Award Winning Director)
- Dr. George McGavin (Author, Researcher & TV Personality)
Missed the premiere on 25th October? Don’t worry! You can still catch our virtual festival on YouTube below or contact us at filmfestival@conservationoptimism.org to organise a local screening.
Join us for an uplifting programme of short films from all over the world, depicting hopeful stories of people and nature, as well as a Filmmaker Q&A panel and the awards ceremony.
The winners of the 2025 Good Natured Film Festival were:
Best Film:
Winner: Risky Routes
Runner-Up: Noah’s Diary: Wetlands – Protected for a Reason
Best Student Film:
Winner: The Onny’s Story – A Fight for the Future
Runner-Up: Kāinga Tupu
Most Creative:
Winner: Dipsas Speaks
Runner-Up: Risky Routes
Most Optimistic:
Winner: Risky Routes
Runner-Up: The Onny’s Story – A Fight for the Future
Audience Favourite:
Winner: Dipsas Speaks
Runner-Up: The Onny’s Story – A Fight for the Future
We are very grateful to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History for supporting the festival and for hosting us.
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