From Swamp to Screen: New Short Film Festival Celebrates the Stories of the Hunter’s Wetlands

The Hunter Wetlands Centre will celebrate World Environment Day with the launch of Swamp Film Festival - a new weekend event of environmental films, creative activities and conversations showcasing the landscapes, wildlife and stories of the Hunter Estuary.

Held on 6-7 June, the two-day festival features a packed program of locally-produced films, filmmaker workshops, expert speakers and hands-on activities for families, transforming the Hunter Wetlands Centre into a lively hub of visual environmental storytelling.

Coinciding with World Environment Day, the festival focuses on inspiring visitors to explore, protect and respect the region’s wetlands ecosystems.

Hunter Wetlands Centre’s General Manager, James Wilson said the festival celebrates an ecosystem that is often overlooked despite its environmental importance and striking natural beauty.

“People hear the word ‘swamp’ and think of something ugly. But wetlands are some of the most diverse, lifefilled and important ecosystems on earth. Swamp Film Festival is about reclaiming that word and celebrating these places through film and visual storytelling. From mangrove forests and migratory birds to community action, conservation projects and changing waterways, the Hunter Estuary is full of stories worth sharing.”

One of the festival’s stand out events is an immersive Q&A exploring the past, present and future of the Hunter Estuary. Featuring a panel of environmental and film experts alongside rare archive photos and historic footage, the session will take audiences on a journey through the social and environmental transformation of the lower Hunter and provide insights on how climate change may shape our region’s future.

The festival will conclude on Sunday afternoon with a special screening session of locally produced environmental films in the Centre’s newly refurbished 50-seat BHP Theatrette.

And there’s still time to enter your short film or nature clips.

Festival organisers are calling for filmmakers, photographers and creatives from across the region to submit short films and nature clips exploring the waterways, wildlife and environmental challenges connected to the Hunter River and Estuary.

“Swamp Film Festival is a platform for environmental storytelling centred in our own backyard,” said Wilson.

“Whether you’re a documentary filmmaker, content creator, animator, artist, or simply a nature lover who has captured a remarkable wildlife encounter on your mobile phone, we want to see local stories and perspectives on screen.”

Submissions are open until end May 2026.

For the full festival program, tickets and submission details: https://www.wetlands.org.au/swampfest