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Bloomberg Green Docs 2026 Competition for Short Climate Documentaries
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Opportunity Image
Publish Date 8/7/2026 Application Deadline 8/14/2026 Opportunity Type Competitions Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

The Bloomberg Green Docs 2026 competition invites documentary filmmakers to submit short films addressing the urgency of climate change and topics related to nature, global warming, the outdoors, or the environment. The competition aims to showcase original documentary storytelling that explores the climate future and encourages conversations around environmental issues.


A judging panel will select up to five finalists based on auteur voice, originality, and the potential to create conversation around an environmental topic. The top five documentaries will be screened at the Bloomberg Green Docs Film Festival in New York, while the Grand Prize winner will receive US$25,000.
Details
  • Organizer: Bloomberg Green / Bloomberg L.P.
  • Format: Short documentary film competition.
  • Theme: Nature, global warming, the outdoors, the environment, and the urgency of climate change.
  • Maximum duration: 10 minutes, including credits.
  • Films must be in English or include English-language subtitles, including end credits.
  • A written synopsis must be submitted.
  • The documentary must be capable of being screened in full at the festival.
  • Films subject to exclusive distribution rights that prevent full festival screening are not eligible.
  • Team submissions are permitted, provided all team members meet the eligibility requirements.
  • The entrant must have produced or directed the documentary.
  • Submission is made online through Bloomberg Green Docs.
  • The official rules do not state an application fee.
  • Submission period: 6 April–14 August 2026.
  • Finalists are expected to be announced around 4 September 2026.
  • The winner will be announced at the Bloomberg Green Docs Film Festival in New York City on 22 September 2026, according to the current submission page. 
Eligibility Criteria
  • Must be 18 years of age or older, or the age of majority in the entrant's country or state of residence.
  • Must be a legal resident of the country of residence.
  • Must have produced or directed the documentary.
  • Must have the legal authority to submit the film.
  • Must be eligible and available to participate in promotional activities and travel to the United States and attend the New York festival, either virtually or in person as required.
  • Must be able to speak and write conversational English.
  • Must not have an existing agreement with a film studio, television network, OTT streaming service, or another entity that conflicts with the competition rules.
  • For team submissions, all team members must satisfy the eligibility requirements.
  • Must have secured all necessary rights, clearances, licenses, and permissions for the documentary.
  • The documentary must not infringe third-party intellectual property or other rights.
  • Residents of countries or territories excluded under the OFAC restrictions, including Sudan and Syria, are not eligible. 
Opportunity Benefits
  • US$25,000 Grand Prize.
  • Selection of up to five finalist documentaries.
  • Screening of the five finalist films at the Bloomberg Green Docs Film Festival in New York.
  • Official recognition as a finalist.
  • Additional screening opportunities for finalist films.
  • One representative of each finalist documentary receives round-trip economy airfare to New York.
  • Round-trip airport transfers in New York.
  • Standard hotel accommodation in the New York City area for the required festival period.
  • The Grand Prize winner receives all finalist benefits in addition to the US$25,000 cash prize.