Nature Connection

Restoring humanity’s connection to nature one story at a time

The rhythms and pressures of our fast-paced, modern-day culture—that revolves around keeping up with schedules, screens, safety, and basic survival—has us functioning more and more like an indoor species and has disconnected us from the natural world.

This growing disconnection from nature negatively affects us in significant ways—from health problems exacerbated by nature deprivation to systemic inequities reinforced when communities lack access to the outdoors. Despite this, we believe that together, we can share stories that help shift our cultural outlook and connection to the natural world.

Learn more about our 2024 Nature Connection Pitch at Mountainfilm.

Our Nature Connection work celebrates filmmakers and films that spotlight the physical, mental, spiritual, social, and planetary benefits of restoring and strengthening humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

Nature Connection Pitch Events

In collaboration with IF/Then, our Nature Connection Pitch events are open calls for short documentary films focusing on humanity’s connection with nature.

2024 Pitch at Mountainfilm Festival

To support the production and impact of outstanding short films on the theme of nature connection, The Redford Center and Mountainfilm are co-presenting a pitch event at the 2024 Mountainfilm Festival in partnership with IF/Then Shorts in Telluride, Colorado. Awarded films will receive up to $25,000 in funding, impact and professional development training, as well as travel, accommodation, and passes to attend Mountainfilm Festival.

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2023 Pitch at Big Sky Film Festival

Building on the first Nature Connection Pitch, selected projects will have the opportunity to participate in a pitch forum and workshop series at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in February 2023. Chosen from a national pool of applicants by industry luminaries and topic area experts, five filmmaking teams will receive a combined $25,000 in production grants, along with career-building training, to share their stories of nature connection and reconnection with the world.

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2021 Pitch at DOC NYC

Six finalist films participated in our inaugural Nature Connection pitch event at DOC NYC provided a deep look into the historical and ancestral connections to land, water, and nature. held by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and undocumented communities. Their pitches highlighted the difficult yet resilient ways these communities navigate the residual impacts of forced displacement, generational trauma, and inequity and injustice. By showcasing these untold histories and circumstances, each film takes viewers through a unique journey towards one destination: equitable access to nature and healing.

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Featured Shorts

Between Earth and Sky

Fruit of Soil

Makana o ke Mele (Gift of Song)

Oakland Goes Outdoors

“With public awareness and support for environmental and climate action at an all-time high, it’s important to remember a key marker of our success will be a world where everyone can safely access and thrive outdoors and in nature.”

Jill Tidman

Executive Director, The Redford Center