The world’s environmental capital has never hosted a green film festival.
We are here to change that.
Why Nairobi Earth
The Nairobi Earth Film Festival is the first environmental film festival of its kind in Nairobi - a city globally recognised as a centre of environmental policy and activism.
Taking place on 6–8 March 2026, during the week of World Wildlife Day, the festival is designed to spark critical conversations about the relationship between people and the planet, with a strong focus on Africa.
Running over three days, the festival will bring together a broad audience: filmmakers, conservationists, students, educators, cultural professionals, institutions, and the wider public.
It will offer a curated programme of screenings, masterclasses, keynote talks, interactive panel discussions, and creative workshops, all centred on the environmental challenges and resilience of African communities.
Our goals
Inspire environmental awareness through storytelling
Use the power of film to raise awareness of environmental issues and solutions, sparking emotional connection and critical thinking about the relationship between people and the planet.
Give visibility to international organisations &NGOs
Showcase the work of international organisations and partners engaged in climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development, highlighting their impact through film, dialogue, and collaboration.
Amplify African voices in environmental discourse
Provide a platform for African filmmakers, communities, and youth to share their stories and innovations, ensuring African perspectives are at the forefront of global environmental narratives.
Foster public engagement and lasting partnerships
Create a dynamic space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration among filmmakers, environmental experts, civil society, and the public, laying the foundation for an annual cultural event that bridges art and environmental action.
Festival programme overview
The festival will take place in a single, multi-purpose venue with three integrated areas:
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Projection Hall – Official film screenings
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Ceremony Hall – Dinners, concerts, keynotes, and awards
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Festival Village – Local stalls, exhibitions, interactive stage, and networking areas
KEY DATES
Friday, 6 March 2026 – Opening cocktail & Tribute to a Kenyan environmental filmmaker
Saturday & Sunday, 7–8 March 2026 – Screenings, panels, workshops, masterclasses
Saturday, 7 March 2026 - Official Gala Dinner
Sunday, 8 March 2026 - Screenings, closing ceremony
Award categories
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Best Film
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Best Director
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Best Cinematography
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Best International Documentary
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Best film on People and the Environment
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Organizational Excellence Award
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New Generation Award (under 35)
All awards are handcrafted by Kenyan artists using eco-friendly materials.
Sponsors may co-name or support award categories. This is an opportunity to align your brand with creativity, sustainability, and youth empowerment.
More About The NEFF
Youth at the Heart
Young creatives are central to the Nairobi Earth Film Festival’s mission. A dedicated production masterclass will be held for 25 university and college students in film and media studies. Participants will take part in real-world production challenges, and five finalists will compete for the top prize. The winning student will be awarded a six-month fellowship in film production.
Village Programming
The Festival Village is more than a gathering place — it is a living space for culture, conversation, and creativity.
Built as a model of a Kenyan village, it will feature:
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Technical and creative presentations
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Youth-focused performances and activities
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Morning artistic entertainment during welcome coffee
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Exhibitions of grassroots environmental initiatives
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The awarding of the “My Green Village Initiative” prize
Film Market
A key feature of the festival is the Nairobi Earth Film Market, a space for African filmmakers to connect with producers, distributors, broadcasters, and platforms looking for powerful environmental stories. The market aims to support co-productions, acquisitions, and partnerships, helping African environmental cinema reach wider audiences both on the continent and globally.
A Low-Carbon, High-Impact Event
The festival is committed to sustainability in both concept and execution. From sourcing local food and beverages to using upcycled and biodegradable materials, the event will reflect low-impact design and strong community engagement.
The team
THUKU KARIUKI - FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Thuku Kariuki is a seasoned producer, production manager, and filmmaker at Afrika Live Media, a prominent pan- African media production company in Nairobi, Kenya. With 14 years of experience in the media industry, Thuku has made significant contributions. In the past 9 years, Thuku has excelled as a wildlife and environment documentary filmmaker and journalist, collaborating with prestigious organizations like Deutsche Welle, Giving Nature a Voice, and TRT World News. His work has left a lasting impact on local and international audiences.
JULIEN CHAMBOLLE - FUNDRAISING EXECUTIVE
Julien Chambolle, a Sorbonne and Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies graduate, is making a significant impact in the field of sustainable development and climate change. Co- founder and current Secretary General of Association Africa 21, he leads the Network of African journalists focused on these crucial issues.
NELLY MAINA, LOGISTICS & PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE
Nelly Maina, a Broadcast Media TV Production graduate from the Multimedia University of Kenya, has over 12 years of experience in film and television. She has worked with leading Kenyan media companies on local and international productions, and has appeared as an actress in popular TV shows and national advertising campaigns. Fluent in English, Kiswahili, and Kikuyu, she combines creative versatility with production expertise.
LUCY W. MUTHUI – FILM DISTRIBUTION EXECUTIVE
Lucy W. Muthui has over 13 years of experience in content acquisition, distribution, and production. She has worked with top companies including Wananchi Group, Cote Ouest Audiovisuel, Discovery Learning Alliance, and Ubongo International, and has curated major content markets and film festivals across Africa. As a trainer, she has equipped hundreds of filmmakers with skills in marketing and distribution. Through her consultancy, she champions African storytelling on the global stage.
DANIEL FURNAD - CHIEF MEDIA CONSULTANT
A seasoned director, Daniel has an impressive portfolio of documentary films highlighting remarkable Africans, local industries, and talented musicians. With a background as a frontline journalist, he has covered a wide range of impactful events, from wars and political revolutions to elections and natural disasters.
ALEXANDRE BRECHER - COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE
Alex is a communications expert and documentary filmmaker. Since 2009, he has led communication initiatives for UN agencies and NGOs across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. His work includes strategic campaigns, storytelling projects, and the production of impactful films.
NYAMWANGE EDITH KEMUNTO - ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Edith is a seasoned development professional with over 10 years of experience working at the intersection of gender and the environment. Her expertise lies in driving impactful projects that promote sustainability and gender equality. With a keen eye for strategic thinking, Edith brings innovative leadership to the film festival, offering out-of-the-box solutions and a thoughtful, results-oriented approach to empower underrepresented communities.
The organizers
Afrika Live Media
Afrika Live Media is a Pan-African film and television company based in Nairobi, Kenya dealing with video content production for traditional media (TV), online media and corporates. https://afrikalive.co.ke/
Africa 21
Africa 21 is an international NGO based in Geneva that works on sustainable development issues in Africa and creates bridges between actors committed to achieving the SDGs on the continent. The association is renowned, among other things, for its program dedicated to the continent’s journalists: www.africa21.org
The Good Picture
The Good Picture is a communications company that specializes in responsible and inclusive storytelling. Based in Nairobi, it works across Africa to deliver high-quality photography, video, and creative content, and runs training programmes that empower diverse voices to tell impactful stories. www.thegoodpicture.com
Communications and visibility
The Nairobi Earth Film Festival will combine high-quality creative production with strategic, targeted outreach to engage audiences across Africa and around the world. The festival’s communications will be designed to spark curiosity, inspire participation, and amplify African environmental storytelling on the global stage.
A multi-layered communications approach
The festival will use a combination of traditional media, digital platforms, and on-the-ground activation to ensure maximum visibility and audience engagement.
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Pre-festival campaigns will build anticipation through trailers, thematic teasers, filmmaker spotlights, and behind-the-scenes stories.
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Live festival coverage will capture and share the atmosphere with daily photo stories, short video highlights, and interactive social media updates.
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Post-festival content will sustain momentum with highlight reels, impact stories, and opportunities for continued engagement with the films and their themes.
Leveraging Africa 21’s Journalists Network
A key strength of the festival’s communications strategy is the Africa 21 network of 1000+ African journalists dedicated to sustainable development reporting. This network will help share festival stories across diverse national and regional outlets, ensuring the festival’s messages reach both local communities and international audiences. By mobilising trusted media voices across the continent, the festival will secure coverage that is relevant, credible, and far-reaching.
Building a lasting brand
Beyond the event itself, the festival’s communications will position Nairobi as a hub for African environmental storytelling. Partnerships with media organisations, cultural institutions, and online platforms will extend the festival’s reach, while consistent branding and a clear narrative will help establish it as an annual fixture in the African and international film calendar.