DCEFF2026
Film Guide
2026 Theme: Against the Current
With the theme Against the Current, this year’s Festival will be a ten-day (March 19-28) showcase of the bold storytellers, visionary leaders, and grassroots changemakers who are confronting urgent environmental crises and inspiring action in the face of powerful headwinds.
This year’s lineup will feature over 70 films. Click on the titles below to learn more about them and to purchase tickets or register for free programs.
To go directly to the schedule, click here.
Award Winners & Tentpole Selections
This year’s Festival will feature four awards screenings, including Sundance Grand Jury Award winner Nuisance Bear (William W. Warner Award) and the Leonardo DiCaprio produced Yanuni (Shared Earth Foundation Award).
Also included in this section are our Opening Night and Centerpiece Selections: A Life Illuminated (DC Premiere) and The [Conserv]atives (World Premiere).
More Signature Programs
Learn more about the titles that will be playing at our signature venues: The Burke Theatre at US Navy Memorial and the Miracle Theatre.
These films explore issues like climate change, conservation, wildlife, oceans, public health, sustainability, and more!
Partner Programming
DCEFF would be a much different (and smaller) Festival without our amazing partners. This year, you’ll find our screenings at museums, universities, embassies, and other cultural institutions throughout the DC metro area.
Shorts Programming
Our short film selections are a huge part of DCEFF, allowing emerging and seasoned filmmakers to explore pressing environmental issues in unique and direct ways. This year, they’ve been packaged into themed programs, including a brand new program exploring experimental and narrative eco-horror shorts.
