GOT A STORY TO TELL? WE ART WATER FILM FESTIVAL CALLS CREATORS TO ACTION

The Sixth We Art Water Film Festival invites filmmakers to submit one-to-three-minute shorts on water and sanitation in the climate crisis, architecture, and urbanism. With €10,000 in prizes, free entry, and a prestigious jury, the competition closes on 9 July, offering global exposure and a platform for urgent storytelling. 

The We Art Water Film Festival has opened its doors to directors and storytellers worldwide, inviting them to craft short films of one to three minutes that confront one of humanity’s most urgent challenges: the global water and sanitation crisis. Now in its sixth edition, the festival is offering €10,000 in prizes, international exposure, and the chance to be judged by a prestigious panel, making it a powerful platform for emerging and established voices alike.  

The competition, free to enter, closes on 9 July, and hundreds of creators have already submitted their work. What sets this edition apart is its expanded theme: “Water and sanitation in the climate crisis, architecture and urbanism.” Organisers are urging filmmakers to explore how the built environment can play a transformative role in sustainable water management. From the design of cities to the architecture of homes, the festival seeks stories that show how human ingenuity can ensure water flows safely and respectfully through our communities.  

The urgency of the issue is underscored by stark statistics. Today, 2.1 billion people lack full access to safe drinking water, while 900 million live without a secure toilet. These numbers reveal a crisis that is not only about infrastructure but also about dignity, health, and survival. As the organisers note, cinema can be a powerful tool to transform this reality, offering audiences both awareness and inspiration.  

The festival’s mission is to merge art with social awareness, creating a global conversation that transcends borders. By encouraging filmmakers to tackle the intersection of climate change, urban design, and water security, it highlights the need for creative solutions to problems that affect billions. The challenge is not simply to document hardship but to imagine possibilities — to show how architecture and urban planning can become allies in the fight against scarcity and pollution.  

For participants, the opportunity is twofold: to showcase their creativity on an international stage and to contribute meaningfully to a cause that demands urgent attention. The short format — just one to three minutes — ensures accessibility, pushing creators to distil their vision into concise, impactful narratives. Whether through documentary, animation, or experimental film, the festival encourages diverse approaches, united by a common goal: to inspire change.  

The We Art Water Film Festival has built a reputation as more than a competition. It is a movement that recognises the power of storytelling to shift perspectives and galvanise action. As climate pressures intensify and urban populations grow, the need for sustainable water solutions becomes ever more pressing. By spotlighting this issue through cinema, the festival hopes to ignite dialogue and drive innovation.  

For filmmakers, the message is clear: your vision can change the world. With the deadline fast approaching, the call is urgent. Those who rise to the challenge will not only compete for prizes but also join a global community committed to using creativity as a force for good.