Skyfire Environmental Film Festival 2026
Thank you for being part of our inaugural festival
across Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe.
WHAT IS SKYFIRE
We’re bringing people together through film, storytelling, and action. Skyfire connects filmmakers, educators, and communities to turn environmental stories into real-world impact.
2026 Award Winners
Best Animation: Dr. Clean
Directed by Surapong Wetsuwanmanee
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In a future world where pollution has given rise to dangerous “Dirtroids,” Dr. Clean leads the Clean Force—a global team fighting to restore balance through science, teamwork, and action.
Inspired by real-world sustainability initiatives, the series reimagines environmental responsibility through animation—empowering children and communities worldwide to become heroes for a cleaner future.
Most Impactful Environmental Feature: Farming While Black
Directed by Mark Decena
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Farming While Black explores the legacy, resilience, and revival of Black farmers in the United States—tracing a powerful movement to reclaim land, culture, and connection to the earth.
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Centered around Soul Fire Farm and leaders like Leah Penniman, the film highlights a new generation transforming agriculture into a force for justice, sustainability, and community healing.
Best Director: Borderlands Jaguar
Directed by Ben Masters
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Borderlands Jaguar follows photographers Austin Alvarado and Ben Masters on a rare and ambitious journey to document one of North America’s most elusive predators along the U.S.–Mexico border.
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With striking cinematography and a deeply immersive approach, Ben Masters brings urgency and beauty to the story—highlighting the critical role of wildlife corridors and the need to protect the fragile ecosystems that sustain them.
Spark Movement Award: Electric Landscaping – Ditching Gas for Good
Submitted by Greenworks Commercial
This documentary sheds light on a hidden source of urban air pollution—gas-powered landscaping equipment—and the impact it has on workers, communities, and the environment.
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By highlighting real-world transitions to electric alternatives, the film captures a growing movement toward cleaner air, quieter cities, and a more sustainable future—where innovation drives meaningful change.
Most Impactful Student Short: Altyn-Kazyk: The Golden Stake
Directed by Jina Song
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Set in a community living beside one of the city’s largest landfills, Altyn-Kazyk: The Golden Stake reveals the daily realities of families navigating survival amid environmental injustice.
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Through an intimate and unflinching lens, the film highlights the resilience of its people—particularly the women whose labor sustains their community—while capturing a powerful pursuit of dignity, hope, and a more sustainable future.
Best Cinematography: The American Southwest
Directed by Ben Masters
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A breathtaking journey through the Colorado River, The American Southwest captures the striking beauty and biodiversity of one of the region’s most vital ecosystems.
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Through powerful visuals, the film contrasts this natural wonder with the impact of dams and environmental strain—offering a compelling look at the river’s fragile future.
Best Narrative Environmental Short: The Experiment
Directed by Maxim Akbarov
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After a toxic industrial plant is introduced into a remote community, a local resident takes an extreme approach to expose its impact—inviting media to witness the consequences firsthand.
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Blending dark humor with unsettling realism, the film delivers a powerful critique of environmental negligence and corporate accountability—leaving a lasting impression long after the experiment unfolds.
Audience Choice: Kuleana
Directed by Georgia Scott
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Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Hawai‘i, KULEANA explores the growing plastic pollution crisis through the lens of sport, science, and community.
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Narrated by Woody Harrelson and featuring elite athletes, the film reveals the hidden impact of microplastics—while inspiring a global call to responsibility, connection, and action.
The Movement Is
Just Beginning
Skyfire was never just a festival — it’s a growing movement.
From filmmakers and educators to community leaders and innovators, we’re building a platform where storytelling drives real-world impact.
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As we look ahead, Skyfire will continue expanding across cities, classrooms, and communities — turning awareness into action.
In Partnership With
See You in 2027
The story continues.
© 2026 Skyfire Environmental Film Festival
Presented by Urban Farming Education