Princeton Public Library is accepting film submissions for the 2027 Princeton Environmental Film Festival, which will take place Friday, February 26, through Sunday, March 7.
The annual festival features film screenings and presentations by filmmakers exploring environmental issues, sustainability and the relationship between people and the natural world. Submissions will be accepted through Monday, November 30, and there is no fee to enter a film for consideration.
First held in 2007, the festival has grown into one of the library’s signature events, presenting films with local, regional and international relevance. Its mission is to encourage community discussion about environmental awareness and sustainability through documentary films and conversations with filmmakers and other invited speakers.
The festival offers a combination of in-person screenings at the library’s Sands Library Building, 65 Witherspoon St., and virtual presentations. Screenings are free and frequently include discussions and question-and-answer sessions with directors, producers and other guests. The festival also works with community organizations to present programs encouraging participation in environmental initiatives throughout the year.
Organizers are accepting submissions in several categories, including feature-length documentaries of 60 minutes or longer, medium-length documentaries of 30 to 59 minutes and short documentaries of 29 minutes or less. Narrative films of any length, student films by filmmakers ages 15 to 25 and films intended for children’s programming are also eligible for consideration.
The festival’s online application asks filmmakers to provide a synopsis, production credits, screening history and a link to preview their work. Films may be selected for in-person screenings, online streaming or both.
Past festivals have explored a wide range of subjects, from water pollution and wildlife conservation to sustainable agriculture and the environmental consequences of development. The 2022 festival, for example, featured 16 films, including “American River,” which followed a journey along New Jersey’s Passaic River, and “Wild in the Garden State,” a documentary about a couple who replaced their suburban lawn with native plants.
The festival has also expanded beyond film screenings. In 2025, the library presented “Our Natural World in 8×8,” an exhibition of artwork and poetry inspired by the environment, inviting contributions from community members and young artists.
Screenings are made possible through funding from the Church & Dwight Employee Giving Fund, the Whole Earth Center of Princeton and other supporters.
Filmmakers interested in submitting their work can find an entry form and additional information at princetonlibrary.org/peff. Questions about submissions and the selection process can be directed to peff@princetonlibrary.org.
