Beyond the screen: DCEFF

Documentary films have the power to shape how we understand nature. They offer a deeper look into the planet's challenges, bringing people together through shared experiences and inspiring action. As a media partner for the 2026 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF), Mongabay is featuring exclusive insights into some of this year’s standout documentaries. From Indigenous land defenders in the Amazon and the glowing mysteries of deep-sea bioluminescence, to updates on youth activists jailed for standing up for Cambodia's environment, these films explore the frontlines of conservation and environmental justice. Through these stories, Mongabay examines the research, storytelling and courage that bring these issues to life. DCEFF runs from March 19-28 in Washington, D.C.

Behind the scenes of the Amazon’s gold rush: Director Richard Ladkani on the making of ‘Yanuni’

Cambodia’s Supreme Court denies release of five imprisoned environmental activists

Marine biologist Edie Widder chases bioluminescence in new ‘Life Illuminated’ film

In ‘The Battle for Laikipia,’ the human face of resource conflict in Kenya

‘Fatal Watch’: Interview with documentary makers on fisheries observer deaths

How one researcher walked thousands of miles along India’s shores to conserve sea turtles

Microplastic within humans now a health crisis: Interview with ‘Plastic People’ filmmakers

500,000 barrels of DDT in the sea: Interview with documentary directors on California coast crisis

Searching for peace, finding hope: A new film explores rural conflict in Kenya

Lives worth living: Elephants, Iain Douglas-Hamilton and the fight for coexistence

How one woman’s wolf ‘moon shot’ changed Yellowstone forever: Interview with director Tom Winston

All Specials

Interested in other Mongabay websites?

Earth HQ
Data Studio
Conservation Effectiveness
Mongabay Latam
Reforestation App
Mongabay Indonesia

News and Inspiration from Nature's Frontline.

you're currently offline