Planet Health Film Fund opens applications to support original documentary storytelling

BAFTA Albert is supporting the new Planet Health Film Fund, helping filmmakers explore sustainable production practices while telling stories about the connection between human health and the health of our planet.

The Planet Health Film Fund, launched by Bupa and Earthrise, is a new £100,000 international initiative. Launched with BAFTA Albert as Sustainability Partner, alongside SXSW London, YouTube, Together Films and Screen Language as Programme Partners, this will provide filmmakers with production funding, creative mentorship and industry expertise.

The programme also brings together an exceptional international jury of award-winning filmmakers and industry leaders, including Academy Award-nominated director Tamara Kotevska (Honeyland), Sundance and Cannes award-winning filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr (Lizard, My Father’s Shadow), Paola Mottura, Director of the Documentary Film Fund at Sundance Institute, and Matt Scarff, Managing Director of BAFTA Albert.

The jury will select five ambitious documentary projects, championing originality, creative excellence and fresh perspectives on the relationship between people and the natural world. The completed films are set to receive their world premiere at SXSW London 2027, before reaching global audiences through a digital release.

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Filmmakers play an incredibly crucial role in connecting audiences with the world around us and exploring the benefits of being with, and protecting our natural environments. In a time when isolation and individualism can become the norm, storytelling can bring us together, inspire us to reach out, or take action for the wellbeing of ourselves and the planet. This fund from Bupa and Earthrise will open the door for vital, rich and compelling storytelling. As Sustainability Partner, BAFTA Albert will lend support by sharing expertise in sustainable screen practices, helping filmmakers explore practical ways to reduce the environmental impact of their production
BAFTA Albert’s Matt Scarff, Managing Director at BAFTA Albert ,

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The connection between human health and the health of our planet is profound, yet remains surprisingly underexplored. We believe in the power of storytelling to shift perspectives and inspire meaningful change. In an increasingly crowded attention economy, social-first storytelling allows us to meet audiences where they are, cutting through the noise with stories that resonate. Through this fund, we're giving independent filmmakers the creative freedom to tell bold, original stories that combine cinematic ambition with the reach of digital platforms to create lasting impact.
Alice Aedy, Co-founder of Earthrise and National Geographic Explorer,

Apply now

Applications are now open to documentary filmmakers worldwide, with proposals invited for original short films exploring the connection between human health and the health of our planet.

The five selected projects will be announced in early 2027, with production taking place in the months leading up to the films’ world premiere at SXSW London.

Applications close on 16 November 2026 at 6pm GMT.

Planet Health Film Fund — Earthrise and Bupa

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